Feed a Ferret Cat Food

Ferrets are very similar to cats in terms of dietary preferences. Both are physically structured to be carnivores. Both prefer a little variety in their food. Cats and ferrets on a pure vegetarian diet cannot stay healthy as they cannot obtain the needed nutrition from plant-based foods. They are a little different from cats in one way. They cannot digest carbohydrates or fiber in their food. Meat is a good option for cats but since ferrets cannot digest fiber, experts have concluded feeding a ferret cat food is a good option.

Feeding a ferret cat food may prove to be more expensive than home-cooked ones. But a recommended amount of cat food provides the ferret with all the nutrients it needs in the same amount and in a form which is easy for the ferret to digest. Ferret food can be substituted with cat food on a daily basis. It can also be substituted with dog food but only occasionally.

Cooked or left-over meat can be fed to a ferret rarely. They love to eat oil-free ferret fish, fruits and vegetables. This however should not be a main source of nutrition but must be fed only occasionally. They tend to eat small amounts but in frequent intervals. This behavior is seen especially in summer, when ferrets eat once in 3 or 4 hours. A ferret cage should always have a water bowl nearby. Invest in a hanging water bottle if you do not have the time to fill the water.

Ferrets do not usually gain weight at a rapid phase but if your ferret has been noticed to gain weight, take it to a vet to examine it. Ask your vet to chart out an ideal ferret diet plan and follow it to ensure your ferret is healthy.

Dry foods are preferable for ferrets as they do not spoiled easily. A strict dry food diet also puts a ferret in its best shape. An ideal ferret diet should consist of high levels of meat protein and fat and less amount of carbohydrate and fiber. The best way is to feed your ferret cat food.

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Cat Whiskers - Your Cat's Radar System

Cat whiskers serve an amazingly important function for our feline friends, along with a cat's keen hearing, and nocturnal eye sight, our cat's whiskers are an important features of our cat's ability to hunt effectively, even in pitch black conditions.

If you've ever wondered how cats can be such great hunters, and if you cat wanders home with a mouse or a bird in their mouth quite frequently, then you'll probably be interested to hear more about the fascinating story of cat whiskers. Whiskers, otherwise known as vibrissae in the formal world, may look like just long hairs, but they are much more than that.

A cat's whiskers have many times the amount of nerve endings at the hair's base than just any ordinary old hair, it's like an exponential increase in sensitivity from anything that we could ever feel with an ability to feel even the slightest changes in the air circulation.

That is sort of how the whiskers work, they are so sensitive to air vibrations that they are like a cat's built-in-radar-system, a solid object reflects a different air current than an open space and cats can literally feel that in their face. It's like your cat can feel objects right in front of them without having to see them.

Whiskers are stiffer than normal cat hairs making them more sensitive, they are also double thick, increasing sensitivity to an even greater degree. There is nothing comparable in human physiology to the cat whisker, so it's difficult to imagine how it really feels to a cat but scientifically it all makes perfect logical sense.

A cat has night vision that is six times greater than a human being; coupled with their whiskers, keen hearing, and lighting fast reflexes, they are a most deadly predator. Nature has constructed one of the perfect killing machines, to be honest, and like it or not it's your cat, crazy to think about, but true.

If a cat's whiskers are somehow damaged it will affect their ability to hunt, if their whiskers are "good to go" then they will have their full hunting capabilities. Now, your cat's whiskers will fall out from time to time, and that's ok, they will grow back quickly, but, if they all fall out then that is a sign that there is something wrong. Take your cat to the vet if this occurs.

You can trim the whiskers of your cat, but, as it may affect their ability to be all that they can be in the hunting world, it's up to you to decide if it's really worth it. If it's an indoor cat then we suppose it's ok, but trimming the cat whiskers of an outdoor cat seems like cruel and usual punishment.

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Cat Litter Training - Teaching Your Kitten To Use His Box

If you have just gotten a new kitten, chances are it's already litter box trained. This is because cats who have been raised by mothers who use litter boxes themselves have already been taught to use a box by their mothers. If the mother is trained, then the kitty, too, is going to be trained to use a box. If not, though, the kitten will need to be taught cat litter training.

If your kitten was raised by a mother in the wild or is an orphan, chances are you're going to get a kitten that is not trained. Not to worry, however. By nature, cats are very clean creatures, and would prefer to have one special place to go to the bathroom. Therefore, even though your little guy (or girl) may "do his business" in indiscriminate locations throughout your house when you first get him, it's very easy to train a kitten how to use a box if he does not know how to do so already.

Remember that if the kitten is very tiny (less than six weeks old) and/or has been orphaned, then it may not have had a mother to show it how to use litter properly. It's very easy to show him how, though. First, get a box or container with low enough sides that even a very tiny kitten can climb in. One of the best containers to use is an old dishpan with one side cut out so that it's only a couple of inches high. This is low enough that even the tiniest of kittens can climb in easily. The box must be easy to get into for your kitten to be able to use it. Immediately after you've set up the pan, put just a small amount of litter (no more than half an inch or so) on the bottom and put your cat in. Instinctively, even tiny kittens will usually like to scratch around even if they don't exactly know what it's used for.

Now, the next time you feed your kitten, immediately after he eats, turn on him over on his back (often, you can even do this in the palm of your hand with a very tiny kitten). Cover your index finger with a warm wet rag or washcloth and massage his lower belly very gently with it using downward stroking motions, going toward his tail. What you're doing is stimulating him to eliminate as his mother would by licking him.

Immediately after you do this once or twice, turn him over on his feet and set him down in the box. He should feel the need to go to the bathroom almost immediately. He'll eliminate and once he does this, take his front paw and very gently scoop litter over his waste. Very soon, he'll get the idea and want to do this himself. As we said, cats are very clean creatures and instinctively bury their waste anyway, so he'll get the idea very quickly. You may need to help the little fellow clean himself off at first until he understands how to do that himself, too, and this, again, is done with a warm wet rag or washcloth.

For the next few days up to two weeks, every time you feed your kitten, take him to the litter box immediately and set him down in it. After the first two or three times, you should not need to stimulate him by stroking his belly. If he does not cover his own waste, remember to use his own paw to cover it up for him until he gets the idea. Training should be very easy as long as you're consistent.

Remember that your box always needs to be kept in the same location so that your kitten can always find it. Cats are very smart and remember things like that very easily, so if you keep it in the same location, he'll know to go to the box as soon as he knows he has to go to the bathroom. Very soon, you'll have a trained kitten with very little effort.

One final thing to remember is that because cats are so clean, their boxes must also be kept very clean. If your kitten has been trained and all of a sudden begins eliminating in various places in the house, it's likely that it's either a health problem or dirty litter box that's making him do so. If the box is dirty, make sure you clean it and keep it that way. If the accidents throughout the house continue, take your cat to the vet immediately, as this could signify some serious problems such as a urinary tract infection or constipation.

With a little effort from you, cat litter training should be very easy for your new kitten.

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Reasons Why an Old Cat Is Peeing Outside the Litter Box

There are few things more frustrating than when a cat that was previously using the litter box quite happily suddenly stops using it and urinates around the house instead. Sometimes older cats can stop using the box after a lifetime of being house trained. However, there is generally a good reason, and with a little patience and understanding the problem can usually be resolved.

One of the most common reasons for an older cat refusing to use the litter box is a Urinary Tract infection (UTI). This makes it difficult for your cat to urinate and causes him pain and discomfort. Often the cat will associate the pain with the litter box and will try to find somewhere else to go, in the hope that it won't hurt. A cat with a UTI will also need to urinate much more frequently as a matter of urgency, so may not always be within easy reach of the box.

Signs of a UTI are obvious pain and discomfort on urinating, trying to urinate frequently, circling and scratching for a long time before actually squatting and only producing a small amount of urine at a time. As the infection progresses, the urine may have a pink tinge or be very concentrated. If you suspect that your cat may have a UTI, take him to the vet as soon as possible. Your vet will prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection, and your cat should then be fully house trained once more.

An older cat may also become reluctant to use the litter box if he develops arthritis. If his limbs are affected, he may find it difficult or painful to jump in and out of the litter box and so will find somewhere more accessible instead. Signs that your cat has arthritis include stiffness and signs of pain when walking, reluctance to jump onto higher surfaces and reluctance to be picked up. Your vet will be able to prescribe medication to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and control the discomfort. You could also provide your cat with a lower sided box which is easier for him to get in and out of.

A change in your cat's routine may also be the cause. This can be a major change such as a house move or a new baby or a much smaller change such as a rearrangement of furniture. Cats are very much creatures of habit and any changes to his routine can cause him a great deal of stress. You will need to give him plenty of reassurance and help him to establish a new routine. Make sure he knows where the litter box is and praise him when he goes to use it. If you have a new addition to the household such as a new cat or dog, make sure your older cat's litter box is sited somewhere private. Cats will generally require a box each, preferably in their own private space.

Older cats can suffer from dementia, so it is possible that he may simply forget where his litter box is or how to use it. Signs of feline dementia include excessive meowing for no reason, especially during the night, and a lack of awareness of where he is. He may also display behaviors such as walking round in a circle or a reluctance to be left alone. Sadly there is no cure for feline dementia, although there is medication that can slow the process. You may simply have to learn to live with it. Try placing the litter box in the spots where your cat tends to urinate; it may be useful to purchase an extra box or two for this purpose.

Hopefully this article will help you to solve the problem of your older cat peeing around the house and rebuild your relationship with him.

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Strange Cat Behavior - What to Be Concerned About

Cats are capable of being fascinating companions. The majority of the time they can be wonderful to have around, but there are some strange cat behavior that can irritate even the most enduring owner.

Missing The Litter Box

You know that there is something wrong when a cat or kitten has a problem when they begin to urinate in places other than their kitty litter or the place in which they have been taught to go. The first step is to clean out the litter box on a regular basis so that it is nice smelling. No one likes an unclean toilet! This could possibly resolve the crisis. If not, take your cat to the vet for a once over. Your cat could have a physical problem that might be making it hard for them to make it to the box in time. After having your cat looked at by a veterinarian for possible physical problems which could have caused this strange cat behavior, there are other ways in which you can assist your cat back to toileting where it is supposed to.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder- Can Your Cat Have This Problem

Did you know that a few cats develop behaviors that are obsessive compulsive, like tail chewing, excessive licking, wool-sucking, or fur-pulling? Characteristic physical problems could be something as negligible as fleas or as major as neuropathy. So having your cat looked at by its vet is a smart first choice.

Excessive Fear Or Inhibition Results In A Scaredy Cat

There are a few cats that have an excessive fear or inhibition around people. If you show patience and love the cat can grow out of the timid state. But do not rush this process, as you can make it worse and it can result in a cat behavior that is violent and bites or scratches.

The majority of kittens are socialized as they grow up, by being held by a variety of different people who smell different and act different. If your kitten didn't get this advantage, it may grow into a reserved and nervous adult cat. Give it time to come out, then reward "showing up" with a food treat it likes. You will be able to coax it out with a trail of food leading to its bowl, moving the bowl a bit each day. Talk tenderly to it, letting it warm up slowly. While your cat may never be fully socialized and welcome contact with others, it can still be a nice family pet.

Anxious And Apprehensive Cats

You will find that there are a few cats that feel a lot of stress and anxiety. This stress can lead to additional cat behavior problems, like depression or litter box avoidance. If these symptoms (of stress and anxiety) become visible unexpectedly, first make sure the cat's heath is ok with the vet. If your cats health is ok, then you would want to look at the cat's environment could be contributing to the stress level.

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Solving Litter Box Problems - Harmful Mistakes Cat Owners Make

It can be extremely frustrating when your cat stops using her litter box. Suddenly everything in your home can become a potential target of urine. Litter box aversion is the most common problem clients call me about and in many cases those clients are at the end of their ropes. Nothing sends a cat to the shelter faster than a litter box issue. Sadly, many of the cats relinquished to shelters, abandoned, or euthanized due to litter box problems could've been helped. Litter box problems cause owners to react emotionally and sometimes irrationally. The sight or smell of cat pee on a cherished sofa or an expensive carpet can easily short-circuit a person's patience.

Harmful Mistakes Owners Make

Waiting too long to do something about it. I can't tell you how many times owners call me and request an immediate consultation because they're planning on taking the cat to the shelter within days. The problem has usually been going on for weeks, months, and maybe even years and then the owner reaches the breaking point. The longer a problem goes on, the harder it is to correct. Don't wait.

Assuming the problem is behavioral. Many behavior problems have underlying medical causes. Many cats suffer in pain because an owner assumes the cause of the litter box aversion is due to a behavior problem when in fact, it might be due to lower urinary tract disease, renal failure, diabetes, or any number of medical issues. Whenever a cat displays a change in behavior you should have her checked out by the veterinarian.

Punishment. This is so counter-productive it's heartbreaking. Rubbing your cat's nose in her mess, spanking, yelling, time-out, or any other form of punishment does nothing to help retrain her, and in fact, can make the situation worse. If your cat is peeing outside of the litter box she is doing it because she feels she has no other option. If you punish her for it you add to her stress, potentially creating an added fear of you in the process, and she may start retaining her urine (which is medically harmful) for as long as she can out of fear of being punished. Hitting a cat is also inhumane and harmful to the behavior modification process. Your hands should never be used as weapons. How can you ever expect your cat to trust you if she doesn't know whether the hand coming near her is going to pet her or hit her? Fear, intimidation, and pain are not appropriate behavior modification tools. Don't let your frustration over a behavior problem get the best of you because your relationship with your cat will suffer.

Not finding the true cause. Animals don't repeat behaviors unless they serve a function. If kitty is eliminating outside of the litter box there's a valid reason for it. The reason is certainly not an acceptable one from the owner's point of view but the cat is trying to solve a problem in the best way she knows how. Let's look at a couple of examples: Perhaps she's eliminating outside of the box because it's too dirty. While you may think that scooping the box once every day or so is adequate, your cat may not feel it's clean enough. She may eliminate in other areas of the house because they're cleaner. Maybe she's peeing in the dining room because every time she tries to go into the litter box she gets ambushed by a companion cat. Perhaps the dining room offers her more escape potential because she can see her opponent approaching from a distance and has more places to run. You may have set up a litter box that's very private but in the cat's mind the privacy limits her ability to feel safe. Another example may be that the box is located in an unappealing location. Perhaps it's in a basement where she has to go up and down the stairs. There are numerous other reasons your cat may feel it's necessary to choose an alternate location to the litter box. If you just set up deterrents without getting to the source of the problem she'll just keep looking for other locations.

Being inconsistent. Cats are creatures of habit and they take comfort in knowing that things in their environment aren't going to be changing on a daily basis. Whether it's your desire to switch to a different brand of litter, the fact that you love rearranging the furniture, or the irresistible urge to buy the cat food that's on sale this week, sudden change is upsetting to cats. I had a client once who couldn't decide where he wanted the litter box located in his house so he moved it every day as an experiment. The experiment ended in disaster because his cat couldn't possibly keep up with the daily disappearing act. Introduce changes in your cat's life in a gradual way. If you want to switch litter brands do it slowly by adding a little of the new litter into the current brand and then increasing the amount over the course of a few days. When introducing a second cat into the household do it gradually so both cats get a chance to adjust. Cats don't want to be taken by surprise.

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Tips to Make Your Cat Comfortable

If you have got a new kitty then it is important that you make it comfortable. Here are a few things that you can do to make your cat comfortable:

a) Before you get a new cat it is important that you understand your responsibility towards your new pet. If you already have a few cats at home, you must ask yourself whether you will be able to give your new feline friend the attention it deserves. Also, make sure you have the finances to meet an expenditure that can pop up unexpectedly.

b) People, who have cats in their home, must give the new cat a separate room for a few days. This will give your new pet time to adjust to its surroundings. Also, give some time to older cats to recognize their new friend.

c) Make sure the surroundings of the new room are comfortable. Make sure you have a clean litter box, toys, water and clean food that your new feline friend can eat. Make it a point to visit the new pet as often as you can and let it known that you want be its friend. Try to make the cat come out of the room and explore the surroundings. Also, invite the other cats to meet the new pet so that they get to know their new friend.

d) If your old cat fights with the new pet, don't get agitated. Most cats want to protect their territory and may do so for a couple of days. If you find that other cats are not willing to allow the new cat enter their territory, it is best that you keep your new friend isolated for a few more days. It the problem persist, try to find a safer environment for the cat.

e) If you have brought the new cat for your child then make sure you give your child a few safety tips before you let them play with the new pet. If your cat has the habit of nipping then let your cat get used to the kids before they can pick up the cat.

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What to Do If Your Cat Goes Missing

It happens to every cat owner at some time or another, your cat goes missing. What do you do? The first important point is not to panic. The obvious place to begin a search is inside your own home. Quite often your cat is not actually missing, it has simply found a warm and secluded hideaway in the home and simply gone to sleep.

The airing cupboard is a favourite place for a cat to sneak into. If your beds have a space underneath then cats will often crawl into this space and curl up. So your first step must be a thorough search inside your home and pay particular attention to any warm spots. When you have done this with no results you should look in any outbuilding such as a shed or garage.

The next most likely place that your cat will have gone is your neighbours house. Cats are no respecters of property and will consider an open door or cat flap an invitation to enter. You should also ask your neighbours to check their own out buildings. In the majority of cases by now you should have discovered exactly where you cat is hiding.

If these searches have produced no results then it is time to go out into the streets to look for your pet. The best times to do this are early in the morning or late at night. If your cat is outside and possibly lost it will lay low during the day and come out during the hours of darkness.

If the cat has been missing for more than 24 hours you should consider putting up some "missing cat" posters around your area. Ideally these should include a picture of your cat and a brief description. Should your cat be a valuable pedigree animal it is wisest not to mention this on your poster as it could attract "catnappers". It can also be useful to tell the local children that your cat is missing and offer a small reward for anyone who finds it. Children are by nature pet lovers and will see looking for a missing pet very much as a game and search very diligently for you.

It can also be worth contacting your local cat rescue service as many of these operate a lost and found service. The important thing is never to give up; there have been many reported cases of cats returning to their home months and even years after they went missing.

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Cat Litter Box Furniture - What Is It And Where To Find It

What do you think that Cat Litter Boxes furniture is? I had a hard time to picture me something after reading this phrase. But after seeing a picture, and reading a description I know what it is. It is the answer to a problem that cat owners have had for a long time. You know what the problems are with a normal box.

Ugly
Litter all over the floor
In the way
Don't know where to put it.

What have we always done to take care of these problems? We have tried to hide the ugly thing. We tried to keep it out of sight for our self and our guests. We did this by hiding it in:

Laundry rooms
Bath rooms
Corner of the room
Spare bed rooms

But what ever we did and where ever we tried to hide it, it still was an ugly piece of furniture. There is a perfect solution to this problem, that has been going on for years and years.
The solution is called Cat Litter Box Furniture.
What is a better solution then to hide it right under our eyes, but then in a way that we do not have to look at that ugly box There is a normal looking piece of furniture and we can also use it like that, but inside this nice looking table is the normal box.

Out of our sight
We do not have to hide it anymore
It is nice to look at
We can use it.

This all sounds like a win win situation to me, and the cat might even like it better, because he or she has more privacy. There is one more big advantage of using these boxes hidden in a piece of nice looking furniture.

The litter stays in the box and not all over the floor.
This makes it so much easier to clean, and we do not have to keep sweeping or vacuuming after every visit of our cat. I have been reading some reviews and each and every person that started using these things was very pleased with it.

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Tips For Taming Aggressive Cat Behaviour

Aggression in cats is normal; they can be just as destructive as dogs. However as a cat bite will do less damage than a dog bite, we don't normally associate aggressive behaviour with cats. Indeed, a cat that is aggressive towards you, your family or other pets is not natural and there is often an underlying cause. Normal cats will be loving and attentive towards you.

A cat's natural aggression shows itself in it's instinctive behaviour in mating and hunting, which is necessary for the survival of the species. Their relationship with humans restricts this natural tendency, turning it towards their humans, companions or even themselves. An aggressive cat can be re-trained but this does take time and patience - as with anything to do with animals there are no quick fix solutions.

You must first try and work the reason for your cat's aggression: has there been a change in the household such as a new baby, new pet or even change of furniture? Is there a new cat on the block? Even pain or discomfort can make a cat aggressive so ensure that they have no injuries or other hurts before embarking on any training. A change of home can make a cat feel insecure and it will manifest this in aggression.

There are a few quick tips for help with an aggressive cat:

As a 'naughty step' will work for a child, so a 'time out' room will stop an aggressive cat. If you remove them from the source of their aggression they will calm down.



A water spritz will work to stop them in mid attack



If this does not bother them you can use a can filled with pebbles or other loud noise maker to give them a shock out of their fun.



If a cat has latched onto your hand in aggressive play, keep your hand still, playing dead. Your cat will soon get bored and let go.



By nature male cats are more aggressive than females, so you may have to consider neutering - this also will help with straying, spraying and unwanted kittens.

An aggressive cat need not be an unwanted cat. With a little love, care and attention you can tame your tearaway lion into a gentle friend.

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Your New Kitten - What to Expect the First Year

The first year of a kitten's life is vital to her physical development, her personality development and the bond you create with her. The bond starts forming in the early months of her life which forms the base and type of relationship you will have with her. The baby kitten will go through many stages in the first year and by understanding a bit about these stages you can help her through this developmental time, begin forming a strong bond and also help curb unwanted behaviors as she grows into an adult cat.

The First Weeks
The first six weeks of a kitten's life is a very vulnerable and critical time. During this time she needs to be with her mother and siblings so she can get the nourishment and warmth she needs to survive. Kittens have many specific needs during this time as far as nutrition, body temperature and help learning basic bodily functions. Kittens grow and develop at an incredibly fast rate during their first few weeks but unfortunately they are also quite susceptible to health problems so it is important they receive good care and remain with their mother when at all possible.

Weeks 7 - 12
Ideally kittens should remain with their mother until they are 12 weeks old. Although the mother will begin weaning them around 6 weeks it's still good to have mom around to teach the kittens important skills. They learn a great deal from their mother and siblings about things like grooming, social skills, how to use the litter box to name a few. If they aren't able to learn these things from their mother you will need to take on her role.

This is a fun time with a new kitten because they are becoming more active and working on developing their motor skills. They are incredibly playful and curious which can be a funny combination. But it can also be dangerous if your house isn't kitty proofed yet. Be sure to keep anything potentially dangerous - wires, plants, open toilets, cleaners, string etc - out of reach or securely covered.

Weeks 13 - 26
The adult teeth will start to develop and they will start to lose baby teeth when they are around 4 months old. This can be a good time to start good feline dental care habits.

If you have other cats in your household the new kitten may try to challenge the dominant cat during this phase. This usually results with the dominant cat showing the new kitten who's still the boss.

Some cats will reach sexual maturity during this time so it's a good idea to spay or neuter your kitten between 3-6 months of age. Spaying a male cat by 6 months of age can also help prevent him from developing the bad habit of spraying in the house.

Weeks 27 - 52
By this time kittens will begin to have physical traits and behaviors that are more like those of adult cats. They will likely start to exhibit some behaviors that are similar to those seen in human adolescents. They will test their boundaries and they may start testing their dominance even with you. Don't feel hurt if your kitten doesn't respond as well to you during this time, remember it's probably just her age. Continue to give her love and affection, but don't force it on her. Just be patient during this time.

Understanding your kitten during the different phases of her first year can go a long way towards creating a strong bond and helping her become a well-adjusted adult cat. Besides that it's just so fun to watch them grow and change during this first year and it's a little easier to accept some of the short-term not-so-fun behaviors if you understand them better. Some of these behaviors are similar to what kids experience just in a condensed period of time.

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Expert Strategies For Hiring the Best Employees

A few years ago I wrote a column in which I compared managing employees to herding cats: just when you think you have everyone organized in a happy little group and going in the same direction one cat breaks from the herd and heads off to do its own thing. Then another cat falls out of line, then another, then another. Finally two more cats ask to go home sick and three others just wander off after lunch, never to be heard from again.

Do you think managing employees has gotten any easier since that column was written? Have cats gotten any more obedient? The truth is, managing employees is the easy part: attracting (or finding) qualified employees is the really hard part. You've heard the old saying, "Good help is hard to find." You didn't think someone made that up just to hear their head rattle, did you?

Like a buyer's market in real estate, it's an employee's market in the job world. With more options than ever, top talent can pick and choose the companies they want to work for and in many cases, can set their own price and compensation package rather than having to settle for the offers made by prospective employers.

One of the companies that I have an interest in provides hiring management software to employers and the number one complaint that I get from clients has been the same for years: we can't find enough qualified candidates to fill the jobs we have. Some of my clients have had open positions for months and unfortunately, I can't offer them much solace because the competition for the best employees is tough; and only going to get tougher.

According to a CareerBuilder.com survey 40 percent of American companies say they plan to increase staffing levels in the first quarter of 2007. Health care, food services, commercial banking, transportation, construction and many other industries are begging for new candidates. And I'll bet you a ton of Cat Chow that every one of those employers is as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof about having to find qualified people to fill all those slots.

How about your business? Will you be adding new employees to the herd this year? Are you having a hard time finding good help? If so the following strategies will help make your job a little easier.

Take advantage of the Internet and new technology. Like it or not, we live in the age of the electronic, online application and if you don't allow applicants to apply to job openings via your company website you're missing a large percentage of the best applicants. Top candidates are computer savvy and Internet reliant. The sharpest candidates do everything online; buy cars, meet dates, pay bills, socially network, etc. Give them the tools they demand to get their information to you quickly and conveniently. And use software on the backend of the process to manage the flow of applicant data and the hiring process. I speak from experience here: the ROI in time, money, and top talent will be multifold.

Hire the experienced old pro over the young rookie. Every potential employee you consider should have a track record of success in the kind of position with the kind of product he's being hired for. If it's a sales job, only hire someone who has proved that he can sell the type of product you sell. If it's a service position only hire someone who is a master at servicing whatever it is you service. Don't hire a vacuum cleaner salesman to sell airplanes. Choose "experience and performance" over "eager and willing to learn" every time.

Screen everyone. Screening and background checks should be a part of every hiring decision you make. There are lots of applicant-screening tools on the market that range from simple paper forms to complex web-based applications. Find one that suits your needs and use it on every applicant that you seriously consider hiring; from the janitor to the CEO. A good screening process will help you weed out problem employees before they are ever hired.

Perform drug tests without exception. I beg the pardon of those "right to privacy" do-gooders who tell me that a person's personal life and urine contents are none of my business, but if I'm going to be paying someone's salary you can be sure that I will exercise my right to check out that person as far as the letter of the law allows. If you have an aversion to little plastic cups, don't apply inside.

Check references. This is a huge mistake that many employers make. They ask for references, but never check the quality or legitimacy of the reference. Surveys have shown that most job application references are either false or just family and friends who are willing to say how great the applicant is. Forget references from family and friends. Ask for the names of their last three employers, then call to verify the information on the application. By law, past employers are limited as to what they can divulge about the applicant, but if you simply ask: "would you hire this person again given the chance," you will be amazed at what you can learn.

The presence of a pulse does not quality you for the job. Many employers are more concerned with just filling an open slot than filling it with someone qualified to do the work. Never hire someone just because you have an opening and they have a pulse. It will always come back to haunt you.

Will these strategies guarantee that every employee you hire is a winner? No, but they will help you avoid hiring those crazy cats.

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Popular Cat Names - Getting the Old Creative Juices Flowing For Naming Your Own Cat

Sure, there are a lot of popular cat names out there, old-stand-bys, like Snuggles and Cinnamon (boring), but when naming our cat we need to use these simply as a sounding board or template because naming our cat the same old same old is just downright boring.

As with the examples just mentioned, "color" and "feel" are used to create the name of the cat, this is a very typical way of naming a cat, and it works very well, however the point is to let your own personal creativity and connection with you kitten flow so that you will find the exact right name.

Here's another example, if you're searching for black cat names, then how about Midnight as a template, maybe it's not great, but you get the idea. That particular example would be good for a male cat most likely, a female requires a gentler name (in most cases, not all).

In your search for unique cat names it's a good idea to look through baby name books and even consult some ancient tombs of lore, the same ones that people search through when naming their children.

Naming your cat after a flower or even a legendary figure from some ancient culture is tried and true and it works very well.

Here are some flower names, just to get the ball rolling, Jasmine, Magnolia, and Daisy. And as for legendary figures from the past that is fairly easy too, just pick a time period, or a culture and go through the list of heroes and heroines.

If you're Russian (or, if you cat is of Russian descent) then perhaps naming them Peter after Peter the Great would be a good idea, or you could go the other way entirely and name them Ivan after Ivan the Terrible.

There are literally thousands upon thousands of options, which may seem to make this endeavor a bit more difficult, but honestly when you see the name that fits your particular cat you will just know it. There's something about the connection between cat and cat owner that's slightly psychic in nature at times, just go with the flow and don't agonize over the decision too greatly.

Mysterious names are often good for female cats, we've always though the name Jacqueline was appropriate for a certain kind of female cat. You can explore temperament - Dash, Grouchy, Dopey, or more colors, but this time with eye color as your guide instead of fur, possible Emerald.

We don't want to bore you with our own picks, but we do hope that our guidelines will inspire you to find your own path and get your creative juices flowing. Remember popular cat names are only the jumping off point, point your own unique stamp on the process and the name will be so much better.

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How to Litter Train a Cat

For most cat owners, training their cat to use the litter is a relatively painless process. It is among a cat's natural instincts to eliminate in an area that they can cover their feces in. This behavior may be a way of your cat accepting what they perceive to be as the natural order of dominance. In the wild feral cats will bury their feces if they are not at the top of their social hierarchy, if a feral cat does not bury his or her feces it is likely that the cat exhibiting that behavior is the dominant feline. So when your housecat buries his or her waste he or she may be recognizing your role as the dominant animal in their social community. It is also possible, however, that your cat may be displaying his or her inherited instinct to bury his or her feces in order to hide their trail from would be predators.

Generally kittens will learn the behavior of burying their feces and using the litter
through their mother once they are weaned assuming the mother is litter trained.
So if you bring home a young kitten of about 12 weeks, you may only need to
place kitty in the litter box and gently scratch the clean litter with your fingers
shortly after she eats to indicate to her what she is to do.

KITTY DIDN'T TAKE TO THE LITTER RIGHT AWAY

If your new cat doesn't take to litter training after your first few attempts you may
want to consider teaching her using another common method. Confine your new
addition to a small but comfortable room, preferably one with a hard floor if you
have one. Place both the litter box and the food dish in the room but don't place
them close to one another. Your cat will naturally not want to defecate near its food
source so she will look for another area. Eliminate any pillows, blankets,
newspapers, towels or other soft items where your cat may decide to eliminate from
the room before you close her in. If you have confined your cat to a room with hard
floors she is likely to avoid eliminating on the floor since urinating is likely to splash
back and get on her fur. The only remaining choice to the cat at this point is
(hopefully) the litter box.

MY CAT STOPPED USING THE LITTER

If your cat was housebroken and all the sudden she seems to have
forgotten that instinct there are a few possibilities you might want to consider
before giving up.

1. Does Kitty Have A Dirty Litter Box? The most common cause of a
housetrained cat to stop using the litter is your cat
disagreeing with the level of cleanliness regarding her litter box. Your cat is more
likely to
stop using the litter if she feels that it is too dirty. It is best to clean your cat's litter
every day or at the very least every second or third day. The dirtier a litter box gets
the less likely it is that your cat is going to continue to use it. Your cat wants to
eliminate in a clean environment and if she notices that every time she eliminates on
the carpet you immediately run and clean it up she perceives that as a more
desirable place to eliminate because it is so quickly cleaned. Keeping your cat's
litter as clean as possible is the best way to avoid this problem, and remember, what
you consider clean, your cat may not.

In addition to emptying the litter, you obviously need to change it from time to time
as well in order to ensure good cat health and cleanliness. Weekly changing is best,
this ensures that odors and wetness won't have too much time to build up to
unacceptable levels and it also reduces the likelihood of sickness due to high levels
of bacteria.

2. Stress. A cat eliminating outside of the litter box may also be a sign for
stress.
The introduction of a new person or animal into the household may be putting a lot
of stress on your cat. Cats generally like to feel like they know what is going on and
what they can expect. If you upset that balance by introducing a new creature (even
a two legged one) into the household they may get stressed which can cause them
to eliminate outside the box.

If you leave your cat alone for long periods of time (for example while you take
vacations or go on business trips) and you come back you may
notice that your cat will sometimes seem aloof and standoffish. This is another
instance in which your cat may react with eliminating outside the litter box as a sort
of protest to what she perceives as being abandoned.

A new piece of furniture, or conversely, a newly missing piece of furniture may also
put stress on your cat. Order and comfort are important if you are a cat. If you
decide to get rid of that old fabric sofa because of it's ugly pea green color and
because it's falling apart at the seams and then you replace it with a brand new,
slick, top of the line, leather sofa with a refrigerator built into the side, and a
massage and heating function, your cat is unlikely to see this as a stylish upgrade
the way you would. What your cat will probably see is that one of her favorite nap
spots has disappeared only to be replaced by something she is unfamiliar with and
intimidated by.

3. Changing Litter Brands. Cats are creatures of habit and can also be
quite finicky (remember Morris, the 9 Lives cat?). If you've recently switched the
brand of litter you usually buy this may be cause for your cat to find another place
to go. Some litters are perfumed (for humans rather than cats) and your cat may
not react well to these smells, or perhaps your cat was used to a less dusty type
of litter, a particular litter's texture, or who knows what. Changing brands or types
of litter may upset what your cat is comfortable with and the result may be a messy
carpet. If you suspect this to be the cause, you can either switch back, or
gradually introduce the new litter. Try mixing in a little bit of the new litter with the
older brand at first and gradually step up the percentage of the new litter each time
you change the box, eventually you will be able to replace the older brand
altogether. This will help your cat ease into the new litter brand rather than upset
her sense of the order of things.

4. Multiple Cats. As mentioned above a second animal may cause a cat to
begin to
eliminate outside of the litter box, but this may not necessarily be the result of
stress. A second cat in your household should probably have his own litter box
unless your cats have proven they don't mind sharing. Again, remember cats are
clean creatures and they can be territorial as well. Some cats may not mind using
the same box, but others may refuse, which means again, the carpet becomes litter
box number two.

5. Litter Box Size Or Placement. If the litter box does not provide enough
room for
your cat she may not use it at all. Your cat will likely want to scratch around and be
able to feel comfortable in the litter box. Make sure it is roomy enough, easy
for your cat to get in and out of (the sides of the box should be lower for kittens
than for adult cats), and not in a high traffic area as cats seem to like some
degree of privacy when eliminating. Lastly, make sure your cat has access to the
litter at all times. Putting your litter box in a room that is closed on occasion is a
recipe for disaster. If your cat has to go and she can't get to the room that you've
put the litter in then she really will have no other alternative than to find another
suitable area to eliminate.

6. Medical Issues. Your cat may be experiencing kitty incontinence. Like
humans,
incontinence can strike animals and this may be an indication of other medical
issues with your cat. As a cat ages, she becomes more likely to lose control of her
bodily functions just like a human does. If you suspect age or medical reasons may
be the cause for your kitty's litter box problems then you should take her to the vet
for an examination, advice and possible treatment to resolve the problem.

WHEN YOUR CAT MAKES A MESS

If your cat does make a mess outside of the litter box it is generally not good
practice to scold her or punish her. Putting her nose in the mess and then tossing
her in the litter is not going to solve your problem. Being upset with your cat is
natural after such an incident, but to display this behavior and then to put her in the
litter box is only making your cat associate the litter box with a bad experience.
Your cat may also begin to learn to be afraid of you, which is obviously not what you
want. Your best solution is to clean up the mess quickly. Put your cat in the litter
box and be friendly and speak in a calming voice with the cat. Scrape the clean
litter with your fingers and make sure your cat sees this behavior, hopefully it will
sink in. To avoid having your cat defecate in the same place outside the litter box a
second (or third) time, cover the area with a plastic sheet or something hard that
will result in your cat splashing herself with her own urine if she should chose that
place to defecate again. Clean the smell as best you can (white vinegar may help,
but make sure your furniture or carpet can handle it). You can also move her food
dish on top of or near the area that she used to defecate, a cat will not want to
defecate near her food source. If your cat uses the litter again, even just once,
reward her, play with her, pet her, give her a treat, make her associate the litter box
with a good experience rather than a bad one.

A cat that eliminates outside of the box is not a lost cat. Don't give up on her until
you've explored the possible reasons for the problem. Once you find it, you can
most likely correct it and kitty and human can live a happy co-existence once again.

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Cat Peeing on the Carpet? Use This Natural Recipe to Eliminate Cat Odors

Cat pee has a way of offending your nose; the smell tends to linger for hours. If you have, an indoor cat chances are you will have to deal with cat pee odors at some point. Even though felines are very easy to litter box train, they will stray from the box in certain instances, particularly if you are slow in cleaning the litter. Once they have found a new spot for a potty break, you will have real frustrating and smell problem onto on your hands.

Creatures of Habit

Cats are creatures of habit led by their keen sense of smell. Any area that smells like the urine will be fair game and since cat pee odors are particularly hard to get rid of, you can imagine the challenge. All is not lost however, with a few simple tools you can find and erase the urine smells completely with an all-natural cat pee remedy.

Recipe

Ammonia and mercaptan (the chemical skunks spray) are the main ingredients in cat pee. The ammonia is particularly irritating to many people and the mercaptan helps it stick around, seemingly forever. The best home remedy recipe for this toxic combination is:

• 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap
• ¼ cup baking soda
• 1 quart hydrogen peroxide (3%)

When mixing these particular ingredients you want to be extra careful as this mixture has the potential to be unstable. Once it is mixed well, store it in a spray bottle until you locate the offending area.

Clean Up on Aisle Three

Locating the exact urine spot can be difficult, particularly if there are no feces present. One very simple solution is to use a black light. Cat waste will glow brightly beneath a black light, which will allow you to clean the area thoroughly.

Before using any of these solutions, test the mixture on a small area first to ensure the peroxide does not discolor your carpet or rug. Saturate the location thoroughly with your natural cat pee remedy. Soak all areas well and then blot with a towel, allow the rug or carpet to dry and sprinkle pure baking soda over the area.

To summarize, if your cat is peeing on the carpet, all hope is not lost. The above natural recipe is an effective natural way to neutralize and remove cat odor; this recipe will save your carpet as well as your nose hairs! In no time at all your home will smell fresh and clean once more.

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Cat Worm Symptoms - Your "I'm Not an Idiot" Guide to Recognizing the Symptoms of Cat Worms

Read this guide and your cat will thank you for recognizing cat worm symptoms before these parasites do her long term harm. There are several types of parasitic worms that can infest your cat like: lungworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms and cat heartworm. There's plenty of synthetic parasiticides on the market, but you can opt for a natural approach to treating cat worms.

Some cat worm symptoms can be pretty darn obvious, like when kitty vomits an enormous load of half digested breakfast along with something that looks like short spaghetti. Chances are you're looking at roundworms.

Other times, the problems caused by cat worms aren't as obvious. Perhaps your cat is wheezing - you may think she has asthma or a cold. Every year veterinarians are presented with thousands of cats showing all the signs of a respiratory illness. In fact, a microscopic exam of your cat's feces may indicate the presence of lungworms in her respiratory tract. The presence of lungworms will cause her to exhibit symptoms similar to asthma, but the proper remedy is much different than the treatment for asthma.

If you just adopted a kitten or an adult cat, its a pretty sure bet she came pre-loaded with cat worms. If you haven't made it to the vet for a final diagnosis, monitor her stools in the litter box. A black, tarry or even bloody stool is a sure sign of a hookworm infection. Take her in to your vet for a reliable diagnosis.

Cats that have an advanced case of roundworms may exhibit cat worm symptoms including serious diarrhea, frequent vomiting or both. Blood may be present in the the diarrhea and vomit. The poor creature is trying to expel these bloodsuckers naturally. Unfortunately, the persistent diarrhea dehydrates her. When she vomits she ends up swallowing some of the regurgitated roundworms.

All cat worms are parasites; they suck blood. Cats and kittens are candidates for anemia. The most tragic health threat is an impacted intestinal tract - your kitten's intestines packed with a mass of roundworms. Young cats are particularly susceptible to an intestinal perforation when this mass moves about.

Tapeworms aren't as devastating to your cat's health as some of the other parasites. You can recognize these cat worm symptoms too. Take a look at her anal area. She's probably showing it to you 2 or 3 times a day during your petting sessions. Seize the moment. Do you see small, white, rice-like segments? Well, its not rice - its a segment of tapeworm.

A cat infected by a cat heartworm may be gagging, coughing, have difficult breathing or vomiting. Or she may show no signs of cat worms - she may suddenly drop dead.

So here's your "I'm Not An Idiot Guide To Recognizing To Recognizing Cat Worm Symptoms"

Your cat is exhibiting one or more of these symptoms...

Coughing, wheezing or problems breathing;
Vomiting a batch of white, short spaghetti-like casings;
Gagging;
Frequent bouts of vomiting;
Diarrhea;
Black, tarry stools;
White, rice-like casings sticking around her anal area

Its likely your vet will suggest a topical or oral synthetic treatment for purging cat worms. However, many cat owners are opting for more natural treatments using herbal remedies like Artemisia absinthinium (also called Wormwood). This herb is widely used in homeopathic practices to treat cat parasites. Consider it as a viable option to rid your cat's parasites and free her of debilitating cat worm symptoms.

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How to Cure Ringworm in Cats

It can be quite a nightmare when your pet cat has ringworm. Though there are telltale signs of it-the cat would have bald patches on its skin, it wouldn't be so obvious at the onset when what's happening is just some thinning of the hair. That is normally a sign that a cat is malnourished.

But when you start developing a ring-shaped rash on your hand or forearms, then for sure you are dealing with fungal infection. It is commonly found on the cat's head, ears and tail then spreads readily to the face, lips, nose and chin. On your cat, they appear as lesions where hair does not grow. The skin also appears scaly at the center and the patches are usually round. On your skin, they come up as rashes with scaly or crusty skin at the periphery that are usually inflamed.

Ringworm, the common term for skin fungi, spreads fast. It can be transferred between and among persons and animals, and whatever comes into contact with their infection. It is also present in the soil and is thus readily transferred to animals and so on.

Mercifully, fungi are easy to kill too. But it will take some effort on your part.

The first thing to do is to treat the cat and yourself with anti-fungal cream or lotion. These are readily available in CVS or any drugstore. Clean the affected area before applying the medicine. Just spread it thinly two times a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, on the infected skin and the area around it. It is important to do this continuously for about two weeks, even if you no longer see the rashes.

For more serious cases, let your friendly veterinarian take over. Among the remedies available to cats are antifungal shampoo, lime sulfur dip and even oral medication when the situation calls for it.

The major effort on your part has to do with disinfecting your home. This means daily washing with hot water and bleach of fabric and other surface materials like gym mats and rugs that the cat has been on. You can also use Lysol or other disinfectant spray on your furniture and other surfaces that cannot be washed. If your home is carpeted, steam cleaning would be a good idea. There are also child-friendly disinfectants available in the market so that the whole process is safe for your child.

Disinfecting has to be part of antifungal treatment, or else the disease will just keep coming back. This daily ritual also applies to your beddings and that of your cat. If you have other pets, it is also necessary to treat them as a precautionary measure. It may take weeks before things return to normal. In the meantime, limit your contact with your pet until the vet returns with positive results. This means two successive lab tests showing that your cat is finally free of ringworm.

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10 Male Dog Names and Their Meanings

Finding just the right name for your new dog is serious business. Both of you will need to be able to live with the name for many years, so be careful how you choose.

While uniqueness is certainly one consideration, it is also a good idea to try and choose a name that matches your dog's personality and temperament.

Here are 10 boy dog names along with their meanings.

Buddy

Meaning: Messenger

This name has long been, and is likely to remain, on the list of most popular names. Even people who do not name their dog Buddy often end up using it as a nickname.

Duke

Meaning: Leader or nobleman

This is another of the most popular names in dog naming history. It was made even more popular by the cartoon Great Dane named Marmaduke.

Riley

Meaning: Valiant

While this name has traditionally been for boy dogs, in recent years it has been used for both male and female dogs.

Zeus

Meaning: A Greek God

People who see their dog as tough and fearless often choose this name. Zeus was the name of a famous television dog: the Doberman that was on the popular hit Magnum P.I.

Sparky

Meaning: Lively

This name has long been popular, and got an extra boost when the creators of the hugely popular animated series South Park gave this name to one of the character's dogs.

Baxter

Meaning: A baker

How a name that means "baker" came to be a popular name for dogs will likely stay a mystery. While less popular that it once was, this name is still a fairly common one.

Gizmo

Meaning: A gadget or device

Gizmo tends to be most popular among owners of smaller, toy breeds.

Bruno

Meaning: Having brown hair

While the name might mean "having brown hair" for many it conjures up images of a lumbering white bulldog. The name is a good choice for any strong, yet slightly awkward looking, breed.

Marley

Meaning: Meadow lake

The popularity of this name has skyrocketed since the book, and then movie, Marley & Me, came on the scene.

Scout

Meaning: Lookout or one who gathers information

While this name doesn't crack the list of the 50 most popular, it is likely to never totally disappear from the dog naming scene.

Choosing a name for your dog has become big business. There are many books and websites dedicated to helping you select the perfect name.

Some people spend as much time selecting a name for their dog as they do selecting a name for their children. In fact, many people, in the search for the perfect pet name, purchase books of baby names in which they hope to find the perfect match. Have fun choosing your pet's name and remember that you will have to say that name every time you visit the vet, meet someone new while walking the dog or need to call him back when runs away. Keep that in mind and it will help you avoid choosing a name over which both you and your dog may someday be embarrassed.

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Cat Rehoming Centers

What are they?

Things beyond our control can happen in life, that create situations where we need to find a new home for our cat, or a found stray. There are two specific benefits to cat rehoming centers: Owners who regretfully need to give up their cats have a place that will find a loving home for their cats, to make the process a little easier. While people who want to add a new furry friend to the family have a place to find an animal who desperately needs a loving home.

Cat rehoming centers mostly deal with animals who've been turned in by owners, or have been rescued from abusive homes. These organizations are often privately funded and are invaluable to communities. Without these centers, most stray cats would be held in a tax funded animal shelter, for a short period of time and destroyed if nobody adopted them.

Awareness

Luckily, increased public awareness of animal rescue and dog or cat rehoming centers becoming popular from newspaper, magazine, television -- these animals now have a chance. The great benefit of using rehoming services online or offline, is that you're essentially "saving" these cats, which will mean a lot to you as your relationship grows with your new cat.

The people that fund and organize cat rehoming services are cat lovers themselves and will normally go out of their way to help you and the cat adjust. Most of these centers will offer all the necessary shots your cat will need to stay healthy for free, or an affordable rate.

Help a cat that needs you

If you have room in your home and room in your heart -- consider going to a nearby rehoming center and giving a deserving animal the new home that they need. Cats are fairly low maintenance: All that's needed is food, water and a litter box.

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Will a Cat Scratch Leather Furniture?

If you are wondering will a cat scratch leather furniture then you have come to the right place. Cats are quite likely to scratch leather furniture is the short answer. The long answer is that with a little of your time, I can teach you to train them. I had unruly cats who shredded any furniture but trained them and I feel for you. Here are some top tips to get you started.

It is the smell - If you have a piece of furniture that gives off any smell at all then your curious cat is likely to come over and have a look at it. Because it is entering into its environment it wants to make sure it is safe and the best way is by marking its territory. Leather is particularly bad for this. What a lot of people are having success with is getting some white vinegar mixed equally with water and applying that to the leather to make the cat stay away.

Get It a scratching post- If you have not got one already them this is an essential for cats that scratch furniture. What it is is a 1 metre tall pole that your cat can scratch to its heart content. Why not try putting it near its play area with toys around it so it feels comfortable with its presence.

Has anything changed recently? - I have read that cats like a stable environment. Has anything significantly changed in our house or the cats life recently. This may lead to the cat scratching a lot when you get that new furniture piece. Maybe a new cat moving in, re-decorating the room or moving furniture around. Try and keep the house stable in the week or so leading upto getting the leather furniture.

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Cat Trees - Fun for Your Cat and You

Soft and warm and lots of fun can be a welcome addition to your household. That is if you provide them with their own furniture so they don't scratch up yours. Cats have a natural instinct to stretch, scratch and pounce so why not give them something they can romp and play on without giving you a headache.

Cat trees range from 2 to 8 feet in height and are usually made of wood and covered in bark or carpet. The center post supports any numbers of limbs with platforms to jump and perch on to watch the world go by from above. There is usually a scratch post or posts built in. Some have tunnels to climb and hide in and some have beds or hammocks for kitty to rest and play.

There are any number of combinations available allowing you to purchase one that will best suit your feline's finicky ways. Some are one piece; some are modular and the styles range from modern to rustic. Shop online to get the best prices and choices for cat trees. Instead of trudging from pet store to pet store you can find the tree of your cat's dreams from the comfort of your own home with the click of a mouse. Search and compare the many types available to find the right fit for both you and your cat. Does your cat like to jump and play? Then get one with more tunnels and platform. Does she like to lounge and observe? Than get one with a high plat form and a bed or hammock. Do they like to scratch? You can get one with ten scratch posts. The possibilities are endless.

Now, once you get your cat tree your cat or kitten might not shy away from it at first. In this case you need to coax them onto it by pretending to scratch it yourself or capturing their attention by pulling a string slowly up it for them to pounce on. If they catch on quickly give them lots of praise and maybe even a treat. Most importantly you need a lot of patience. Eventually you will break them of their old habits of scratching your furniture and drapes. In fact you will probably have a hard time getting them to come down off of their tree.

Perfect if you have one or more cats, cat trees are a necessity for a happy cat. Whether it is tall or short, has a hanging toy or just one scratch post or ten, both you and your cat will enjoy a cat tree. You'll enjoy their antics as they romp and play on it and they'll enjoy the exercise and fun they get when they play on it. Make sure you choose a tree that offers your furry friend enough variety for hours of rest and play. Treat your cat to a cat tree that suits them and they will thank you daily with a warm snuggle and a purr.

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Stop Cat Urinating in House With These 3 Simple Steps

Have you ever asked the question Why is my cat urinating in the house. Urinate problem is an annoying behavior that can make you mad, right?

If your cat is recovering from a surgery, she can avoid her litter box because it is painful to urinate. This pain can be associated to the box and make her believe that the box is the problem.

When you notice your cat urinating in house, it's extremely important take your cat to the vet to do a check up. Vet are trained to deal with medial issue, so the vet should be your first choice, instead of try any behavioral modification.

Another cause of painful urination is an urinary tract infection. Sometimes feline urinary tract disease can be a fatal condition. When not treated right away, a cat with UTI may not have long to live. I know, it's not nice to hear, so take your cat to the veterinarian and make sure that everything is ok.

Usually, urinary tract infection symptoms are:

Urinating in inappropriate places
Excessive urination
Incontinence or inability to control the flow of urine
Inability to urinate
Producing only trickles or a small amount of urine
Straining in pain while urinating
Crying in the litter box
Bloody urine

Your vet may does the necessary exams to determine the cause of the problem. If the cause is an infection or an inflammation, the vet will give antibiotics and a special diet to fight the growth of bacteria causing the infection.

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How Many Cats is Too Many?

I love the notion that "cats are like potato chips, you can't have just one." From the playful kitten, which is the epitome of "cute", to the adult cat, that is the ultimate in beauty, prowess and "cool". How many you should have depends on several factors.

1. How many can you afford to feed?

You need to provide well rounded nutrition for proper development of your cats growth. This usually includes a canned food at least once a day, which also provides moisture. This is especially important if your cat does not drink a substantial amount of water each day. For your own convenience, you might want to make dry food available for when you can't be there to provide a regular feeding. Don't forget the cat treats, for good behavior rewards, which will surely endear your cat to you! Make sure your budget can withstand the cost.

2. How many can you provide good medical care?

Hopefully, you won't have any extraordinary medical bills due to injury or illness, although this cannot be guaranteed. However, there will be an annual expense of vaccinations to keep your kitty healthy. These are normally in the range of $100 per cat, depending on the type your veterinarian recommends.

3. How many can comfortably fit in your home size?

I have read estimates of 1000 square feet per cat, although I don't believe that is necessarily required. More important is how well your cats get along. Two could be too many in a large house if they don't like each other. While five could fit well into a smaller home if all were good natured or at least not antagonistic toward each other. The more room the better for those who like to roughhouse. Better yet, provide them with an outdoor enclosure to give them a space of their own and some fresh air.

4. How many can you provide with toys, cat trees, litter boxes, etc?

A litter box is required! I have seen different opinions of how many you should have with multiple cats. One opinion was one per cat, plus one. Another was one for every two cats. It's difficult to keep up with all of them and their bathroom habits.

I, personally, subscribe to the latter and find an automatic litter box works best in a multiple cat household. These generally cost in the neighborhood of $100 each but can run much higher.

All cats need places to climb and one cat tree, strategically placed by a window will bring great satisfaction to one cat or maybe two. If you have multiple cats, you might want to consider two cat condos/trees to provide them plenty of room to nap and play and a view of the outside world for all of them. These can cost, depending on size, quality, etc, anywhere from $50 to $1,000. I really don't think the cats care how much it cost, as long as it is theirs. Now having it fit in with your home décor is another consideration, entirely. There are some very colorful ones in the marketplace and surely one will look nice in your home. Other toys to keep them occupied are relatively inexpensive and should include things they can slap around and chase, like catnip scented play mice, small balls and anything with bells.

5.How many can you guarantee safety and shelter?

Safety would entail keeping them inside, away from the dangers of cars, poisons, the cruelty of others and keeping them safe by training young children in the proper way to handle them.

6. How many do you have "Time" for?

Just like children, cats need attention. You need to play with each one, either separately or together, each and everyday. A wand toy with a feather for them to swat, a lazer light beam for them to chase, or just sitting in the floor & playing with them. Attention is important to them and keeps them from becoming bored. Boredom can breed depression in a cat. It can also bring on behavior problems which can become destructive.

You have to gauge the size of your home, the size of your wallet, but most important, the size of your heart. Then, you're good to go and take it from someone who knows, the more the merrier!

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What to Do When Your Cat Won't Use the Litter Tray

There is nothing more frustrating than when your cat decides he no longer wants to use his cat litter box and prefers to soil the carpet instead. Read on for explanations as to why this may be the case and how you can help to resolve the problem. Please bear in mind that the sudden change in behavior may be health related so you should consider taking your cat to the vet for a health check.

The first question you must ask yourself is, are you maintaining the cat litter box regularly enough. Cats are extremely clean animals and will not use a dirty litter box, fact. So if it is a case that the box is not being maintained often enough your kitty will just go and find somewhere else to do the business. Waste should be removed frequently, and if you use clumping cat litter, the clumps should be removed also. If you are out of the house for long periods of time, at work, for example, then consider providing more than one litter box for your cat. The general rule is that you should provide one tray per cat in the household plus a spare one.

You should also ask yourself when the last time you actually cleaned the litter tray was. Whilst this does not need to be a daily occurrence, you should aim to wash the cat litter trays at least once a week. Don't use strong smelling detergents. Whilst this may be pleasing to your nose, it won't be to your cat and may be a reason for him refusing to use it. Bear in mind a cats sense of smell is much stronger than a humans and strong smelling detergents may put him off. Hot soapy water is really all that is required when washing out the litter trays.

Have you changed the type of cat litter that you are using? Many cats will have a preference to types of cat litter, usually the one he has been most used to. So your cat deciding to do the business elsewhere may simply be because you have changed the type of cat litter. As mentioned earlier you should bear in mind that such changes in cat behavior may be a result of underlying health problems, so if you have any concerns you should take your cat to a veterinary surgeon for a health check, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

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Living With Cats and Carpet

If you have cats you probably already know what a mess they can be. They are constantly messing up something and can be a pain. They are however very much worth the effort and most cat owners could not do without one. Read this article for some tips that will help you live with both cats and carpets.

The number one thing that cats do to carpet to damage it is to urinate on it. Cat urine is very high ammonia and can do a great deal of damage to the carpet as well as smell horrible. It is even more destructive than dog urine. To prevent this damage you should always keep your cats liter box cleaned to prevent them from going elsewhere. Also have them checked by a vet regularly because things like urinary tract infections can cause them to urinate in strange places. If they do have an accident try to blot it up as soon as possible and then clean it with a solution of one part white distilled vinegar to three parts water. This should take the color and the smell out of the spot.

Another way that cats can harm carpet is tracking litter into the room. Litter is basically clay and if it gets wet you will have quite a mess in your carpet. To prevent damage you should keep your litter box on a tiled or otherwise hard surface. Also try to use a litter mat in front of the box to catch any litter from their feet. If you must keep it near the carpet be sure to vacuum regularly to prevent a buildup. The last thing I will discuss that cats do is hacking up fur balls. These can cause damage because they are often accompanied by food or whatever else the cat has in their system containing dyes. To prevent problems with fur balls you should bath your cat regularly or brush them to get rid of excess hair. If your animal has a large problem with them you can ask your vet about hairball medicine which should help the problem.

As you can see, cats do quite a bit of damage to carpet. Most of the problems though can be avoided with a little care so it really is possible to live with both cats and carpet.

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Goddess Names

Throughout the ages there have been many different Goddess Names. To this day most of these Goddesses are still being honored by many people.  Both for religious purposes and for personal reasons.  Some of these names have origins from Greek, Celtic, Egyptian and many other regions and times.

Below I've put together a list of some of the ones that I know about, as well as the purpose that these Goddesses represent.

Aphrodite: Love

Aradia: Teacher of the Witches

Arianrhod: Reincarnation

Artemis: Goddess of the Moon

Astarte: Fertility Goddess

Athena: Warriors

Bast: Cats

Brigid/Brid/Brigit: Goddess of Fertility and Inspiration

Cerridwen: The Moon and of the Harvest

Cybele: Goddess for natural caverns

Demeter: Goddess of the fruitfulness of the Earth

Diana: Goddess of the hunt

Dryads: Female spirits of the trees

Flora: Goddess of Springtime

Fortuna: Fate

Freya: Moon

Hathor: Sky and Protector of Women

Hecate: Moon

Hera: Marriage

Hestia: Goddess of Hearth and the Home

Inanna: Queen of the Heavens

Isis: The triple Goddess (Maid, Mother and Crone)

Kali: Goddess of Destruction and Creation

Ma'at/Mayet: Justice, including the Truth and the Law

Morhan: Guardian Water and Magick

Muses:  Inspiration and Memory

Nephthys: Guardian of the Midwives

Norns: Guardians of the Sacred Tree Yggdrasil

Nut: Goddesss of Sky

Persephone: Protector of the Underworld

Selene: Moon

Valkyries: Women warriors who brought the souls of those slain in Valhala

Venus: Love

Vesta: Fire

Note that these are just a few of the goddess names that you are likely to come across.

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Best Horse Names of All Time

There are a lot of rules when it comes to naming a horse for example no obscenities, you can't repeat the name of a Triple Crown or Breeders Cup Champion and if a horse is in the hall of fame horse his name is off limits so that forces horse owners to be creative.

I've scoured the Internet; I've called some of the oldest horse handicappers I know looking for the best, the coolest, the most suggestive and downright questionable names we could come up with.

When I made my selections I asked myself does this name make me smile. Does the name create a powerful image in my mind? Can I say this name in front of my mother without feeling awkward? Let's have a look.

The Past 10 years

The Jockey Club has definitely tightened up what they consider acceptable thoroughbred names so the past ten years are not nearly as colorful as the 100 plus years before. Here are a few of the best horse names of the past 10 years.

Funny Cide - The 2003 Derby winners name is a play on his fathers name Distorted Humor and his mothers Belle's Good Cide. But to me the name Funny Cide sounds like a Superman villain some sort of Bizarro World version of Jack Kevorkian.

Big Brown - Named after UPS, Big Brown delivered the perfect product placement. UPS contractor Paul Pompa Jr. named his horse after his biggest customer. Now if only Kit Kat candy bars and Bombay Sapphire Gin would name a horse after me.

Stevie Wonderboy - Owner Merv Griffin said of his horse, "My horse isn't blind he just wears big sunglasses.

Just Really Cool Names

Tabasco Cat - The 1994 Belmont stakes winner was as fiery as his name suggestions. Tabasco Cat put the son of trainer D. Wayne Lukas in a coma for several weeks after breaking lose during a training session.

Nutzapper - Nutzapper was the name given to Andy Hillis' gelding horse until the Jockey Club figured out the name had nothing to do with cooking chestnuts in oil. The horse is currently named Awaiting Justice.

Ghostzapper - Ok maybe I like the name zapper for a horse but Ghostzapper not only had a cool name; he has the heart of a lion. After winning the 2004 breeders cup he could have retired to stud, earning a cool $200,000 per go round (My fees are significantly less) he came back for one more race easily winning the 2005 Metropolitan Handicap.

Ready for Battle

Everyday in the sporting world we use the analogies of war and horseracing is no different, here are some horses I would have gladly rode into battle.

Man o'War - Man o'War won every race but one. Who was the only horse to beat the legend? The horse that beat him was named "Upset" and thus popularized the term for an underdog victory.

War Admiral - Sired by Man o'War, War Admiral was the winner in 21 of his 26 starts with 3 places and a show, the only race the Admiral lost was his 1938 match race against Seabiscuit but on the bright side we all got a fantastic movie because of it.

Battleship - There was no sinking this horse, Battleship was the only horse to with both the American Grand National and the prestigious British Grand National.

The Kid Stays in the Picture

The entertainment industry and the horseracing industry often go hand in hand. Several horses take their name from their celebrity owners or big movie productions and Hollywood, always looking for a good story, will produce a blockbuster featuring one of these famous thoroughbreds. Please note Bobcat Goldthwait vehicle Hot to Trot doesn't fall into either the blockbuster or the famous thoroughbred category.

Seabiscuit - The aforementioned Seabiscuit was a rags to riches story, although slightly exaggerated in Hollywood's portrayal but he did give the American public hope during the depression of the 1930s. In fact Seabiscuit and his "Match of the Century" victory over Man o War was the most popular story of 1938 receiving more columns of print than any person or thing that year. President Franklin D Roosevelt was second and Adolf Hitler was third.

Pharlap - The Australian Wonder Horse was the subject of a fascinating movie 1983 movie bearing his name. The horse was too good; winning 37 of 51 races entered but being so good Phar Lap made some enemies. Just three days before the 1930 Melbourne cup, gangsters tried to assassinate the horse. Phar Lap survived this attempt on his life, won the Cup with the shortest odds (8/11) ever.

Afternoon Deelites - We all know what afternoon deelites are and being owned by ultra-smooth composer Burt Bacharach, makes this horse so much cooler.

That's a Silly Name for a Horse

The Belmont Stakes has a history of crushing the dreams of Triple Crown hopefuls with 20 horses, including last years Big Brown, winning both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness stakes before succumbing to the Belmont. During the early years, the Belmont also had a strange run of winners with odd names, well odd for thoroughbred horses.

1875 - Calvin
1889 - Eric
1905 - Tanya
1908 - Colin
1928 - Vito

The Preakness Stake had a couple champions named after my aunt and uncle.
1876 - Shirley
1879 - Harold

I hope this dark period in racing's history never repeats itself.

I'm Feeling Tipsy

The great thing about the Kentucky Derby is all the traditions that come along with the first Saturday of May. The well dressed gentlemen, the women wearing hats they'd never wear outside of Churchill downs and of course my favorite the Mint Julep. Google the recipe, it's a fantastic combination of Kentucky Bourbon, Spearmint, Powdered Sugar and water. Many recipes won't tell you but I will let you in on a little secret. The key to bringing out the unique tastes of a Mint Julep is to drink it from a metal cup.

Let's have a look at a couple alcohol inspired names

Go For Gin - Mastered a sloppy track in 1994 to win the 120th Kentucky Derby an give trainer Nick Zito his second Derby winner in 4 years.

Not Bourbon - This Canadian winner of the 2008 Queen Plate could be in the running for next year's Kentucky Derby but his name guarantees he'll be treated like an outsider in the land of Makers Mark.

How Times Have Changed. Where was Al Sharpton, when we needed him?

We all know America hasn't always been so cool to black people but looking back it's pretty amazing how far the US has come. Here are some actual horses registered through the Jockey Club and the year each was registered. Multiple years means multiple horses were registered under the same name. You can kind of make a case for the horses named before the height of the civil rights movement but for the 3 horses registered after 1975 you just have to shake your head.

Tar Baby (1944, 1975, and 1985)
Uncle Remus (1944 and 1965)
Darkie (1950)
Uncle Tom (1950),
Jungle Bunny (1953)
Blackface Minstrel (1980)

The most egregious example of this lax registration finished 3rd place in the 1911 Preakness Stakes. Well let's just say the name rhymes with bigger and is used frequently by Chris Rock and Dr. Dre.

Can they say that on Television?

Late Great Comedian Bill Hicks was ahead of his time, his comedy was often over the heads of his audience, which would result some grumbling and some heckles from an impatient audience. His answer was simple "Hold on, Hold on the Dick jokes are coming." So I'll close with this slide dedicated to the dick jokes of the horseracing world. Here are some of the most risqué, sexually suggestive and down right dirty horse names from the past 150 years.

Lagnaf - (1978) An acronym for Let's all get naked...I'll let you figure out the rest

Wrecked Em (1983)
Golden Shower (1955)
Bodacious Tatas (1985)
Blow Me (1945)
Cum Rocket (1969)
Date More Minors (1998)

And finally I'll close with two of the best.

In 1969 there was a horse that raced at Aqueduct called Cunning Stunt, say that 5 times fast.
And of course the Youtube sensation Hoof Hearted.

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