Feeding and Caring for Orphaned Kittens
How to Feed and Care for Orphaned Kittens
Here are some pointers to assist you in raising orphaned kittens:
1. Build a nest.
2. Feed the kittens using an eyedropper or a syringe.
3. Give the kittens KMR or cat formula that you made yourself.
4. Feed your kittens three times a day on a regular basis.
5. Use a warm, damp towel to groom your kittens and assist them in emptying their bladders and intestines.
6. When they are four weeks old, provide a litter pan.
7. Begin providing solid food to the kittens when they are around six weeks old.
8. Be prepared to be startled and surprised.
WHEN DO KITTENS USE THE LITTER BOX? training cat
WHEN DO KITTENS USE THE LITTER BOX?
When Should You Begin Training?
Litter Training
Habits of Kittens
Other Cats
Organize the Box
Location of the Box
There will be no penalties.
Consider These Factors for Your Kitten
Keep in mind that...
Conclusion
What Do You Train Your Kitten For?
Train Your Kitten For
You are enjoying have your new kitten called Angel in your household and are wondering what you train your kitten for. Take a look at these four points.
1. To Use the Litter Box
You need to give Angel clear, consistent guidelines so you have set a litter box up in the porch and another one in the spare room. It is suggested for one cat to have two litter boxes. Cats are shy when it comes to toileting. These places are quiet areas away from the rest of the household.
You can use good absorbable litter ( hopefully Angel will like it ) and plan to replace it every 2 or 3 days rather than 1 time per week. The cleaner the litter box the more likely it is to be used. And it is important for cats to toilet regularly to avoid health issues like urinary tract disease, which is very common and debilitating. To help with this you should always keep unlimited supplies of water for Angel, maybe a couple of bowls around the house. The idea is to encourage Angel to drink more and pee more to avoid health problems.
If Angel suddenly displays some bad behaviours like missing or avoiding the litter box or toileting on your favourite chair then we will have to go through the checklist.
- 1. did you move the litter box?
- 2. is there any more traffic, eg guests to stay?
- 3. did you renovate the room?
- 4. did you change the box or the type of litter?
- 5. could it be a health related issue like urinary tract infection or kidney disease where they associate the pain with the litter box and stop using it? This will need to be checked.
Training your kitten to use the litter box should be as stress free as possible. Hopefully Angel will adjust well to this.
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2. To Display Acceptable Behaviours
Cats claw, scratch, bite and chew for many reasons. If they are doing these things to food items or their cat toys then that is great. But sometimes they do it on other things like your new couch or electrical cord which not only destroys your property but is potentially dangerous or you. Do not tolerate rough play. If they are allowed to play aggressively with the wrong things then young cats will turn out to be an older, stronger, aggressive cat. You can stop playing with your cat if they start biting or scratching.
If Angel scratches then you should offer some scratching alternatives to you, like a scratching mat or scratching post. These are mush more acceptable!!
Angel is young and will be exploring her world, like human babies do, by mouthing and chewing on things. So we will give Angel substitutes and reward her for chewing and scratching on the right item.
Over vocalisation can be another issue to deal with. Some cats rarely meow and some never seem to shut up. This constant crying and need for reassurance may be the one that is the most difficult to figure out. If Angel needs help here you may call in the professionals.
3. To Address Problems Like:
a. Marking territory with urine or poo:
While this is fine outside it becomes a problem inside.
b. Grooming Problems:
Some cats groom themselves excessively to the point of losing fur and creating
bald patches.
c. Sickness problems:
If Angel displays any of these behaviours then she will need help.
Hopefully she will be content and groom like the very relaxed cat in the picture.
4. To Do Tricks
You are going to have fun training Angel to do all sorts of tricks including commands like:
to come, sit, beg, sit, stay, jumping up, twirling, climbing a ladder, wave, kiss and more.
Training your kitten to use the litter box, behave well, do various tricks, plus identifying problems which need fixing will take time but are ideas on what you can do to train your kitten.
There certainly is a lot you can do to train your kitten. Hopefully you can help guide her in the right direction so that she will settle in well and you and your family can enjoy your fury friend for many years.
Eight Foods Your Cat Should Never, Ever Eat
Your Cat Should Never, Ever Eat
Most of us know that there are some human foods our pets shouldn't eat. Keeping our cats away from alcohol, for example, is a no-brainer. But did you know that onion powder can cause anemia in cats and dogs? Because of their different metabolisms, many common foods that are safe for human consumption are not safe for your cat. Reactions can range from upset stomachs to severe illness or death.
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To help keep your kitty safe you need to know which foods to avoid. The following list spotlights eight common foods your cat should never eat:
Baby Food
It's hard to imagine that a food that's safe enough for a baby's tender tummy would hurt our fur-kids. But what makes baby food so dangerous for cats is that it might contain onion powder (see below) which could lead to anemia. Also, baby food doesn't meet your cat's nutritional needs, and could result in malnutrition if she eats too much of it.
Chocolate
Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs, but many of us don't realize that it's harmful for cats as well. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical compound that humans can eat safely. But cats and dogs metabolize theobromine more slowly; as a result, even small amounts of the compound can lead to theobromine poisoning, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excitability, panting, abnormal heart rate, tremors, seizures - and even death. Theobromine poisoning is treatable if caught early enough. But to be safe, keep chocolate away from your kitty.
Coffee and Tea
Caffeine is toxic to both cats and dogs, and there's no antidote. According to ProVet Healthcare, it only takes about 8 teaspoons of coffee to potentially fatally poison a cat that weighs 3 kilograms (that's about 6.6 lbs). Signs of caffeine poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, restlessness, muscle tremors, increased or decreased heart rate, irregular heart rhythm, increased body temperature. But most scary of all: caffeine poisoning can lead to seizures, coma and death.
Grapes and Raisins
Scientists aren't sure exactly just what substance is in grapes and raisins that make them so toxic for our pets, but according to the ASPCA Poison Control Center, dogs who've eaten large amounts of grapes and raisins have suffered renal (kidney) failure. Although it's unclear what effect grapes have on cats, to be on the safe side the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center "advises not giving grapes or raisins to any pets in any amount."
Onions and Garlic
Raw, powdered and uncooked onions and garlic are especially harmful to cats because they damage red blood cells, which could cause anemia. Not only does anemia make your kitty pale and lethargic, it can be a life threatening illness.
Spinach
The jury's still out on whether or not spinach is bad for cats, but scientists do know that spinach leaves contain a small amount of calcium oxalates (a chemical compound that makes needle-shaped crystals), which is a major component in kidney stones. If your cat eats enough spinach, it could lead to crystals in her urine. Cats with a history of urinary problems such as infections, crystaluria and kidney disease, should definitely avoid eating spinach.
Unripe Tomato
Everyone knows that tomatoes are good for humans. But did you know that they can be toxic to cats? Tomatoes are a member of the deadly nightshade plant family and contain a poisonous alkaloid called, solanine. Solanine is toxic to humans too. But you have to eat it in large amounts for it to hurt you. That's why you shouldn't eat green potatoes - a potato that has gone green has higher levels of solanine inside it. And it can make you sick, causing a bevy of symptoms that range from nausea, diarrhea and vomiting to hallucinations, paralysis and in the worst cases, death. Unlike humans, however, only a small amount of solanine can hurt your cat. According to FelineFuture.com, "traces of Solanin, like those found in just a 100g of cherry tomatoes, can be fatal!"
Yeast Dough
Raw or uncooked yeast dough should never be fed to your cat. What makes it so dangerous? Yeast (the single-celled fungi that causes bread to rise) isn't toxic per se, but if your cat eats the raw dough, it might continue to rise inside your kitty's stomach. And you can imagine what that could lead to: painful bloating, gas, and in the worst-case-scenario, possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.
Remember, the information in this article is for informative purposes only. If you suspect your cat has eaten something that is harmful, or needs medical attention, contact your veterinarian immediately! For more information about other harmful foods or toxins found in your home, check out these great references: ASPCA Animal Control Archives and PetEducation.com.
What Type Of Cat Feeders And Bowls Should You Get? Here Are Some Tips
Cats are picky eaters but even troublesome eaters like felines don't need to dine on fine crystals. So does that mean you feed your cat straight from the can? Certainly not, they should have their own sturdy feeders or bowls that are easy to clean.
What kind of feeders or bowls should you get?
If you spend a lot of time away from home or have more than one furry friend, you may want to take a look at cat feeders that are big enough to enough food for several day's meals. Then, you can be sure your cats are cared for even if you are a bit busy.
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Types of cat feeder and bowls
1. The feeder that refills from a reservoir as your pet empties her bowl.
You can use it to feed one feline for several days or you can feed many cats for a day. The disadvantage of this type of feeder ist that aggressive animal can prevent the more timid ones from getting their share of food. It is also harder for you to know how much each cat is eating. So one of your cats may not be eating as much as she usually does without you knowing. This can be a problem because not eating well is a health problem you should know. In addition, cats who are finicky may waste a lot of food by refusing to eat it if it has been sitting in the feeder for more than a few hours.
2. The automatic cat feeder.
This type of feline feeder has several compartments. The feeder's cover has an opening that allows her to eat out of one compartment at a time. A battery operated motor rotates the cover using a timer so that a different compartment is revealed at timed intervals. If your cat(s) tend to be territorial, your she/they may do better with their own individual dishes. Why? Because you can feed them in separate areas of the house more easily. One more thing, while shopping for cat food bowls, look for bowls that are dishwasher safe and unbreakable.
3. The combination
If you only have one cat, then seriously consider the combination feeder. This feeder holds two bowls, one for food and one for water. This type of feeder allows you to keep the feeding area tidy but are easy to clean because you can take the bowls out of the feeder to wash and disinfect them.
4. Heated food bowls
This is reserved for the fussiest felines. These bowls are also a great way to provide local strays with water during the winter months.
Make sure that you clean the food bowls daily. This will keep your cats healthy. You may be able to just drop the bowls in the dishwater if they are dishwasher safe. Remember not to leave food sitting in the bowls for long periods of time, as dry food can grow stale and soft food can spoil. Of course, you should clean your cat's water bowl and re-fill it with fresh, clean water on a daily basis.
Siamese Cats - Do You Really Want One?
Are you ready and able to welcome Siamese cats into your heart and home?
Where should you start?
With personality plus. Siamese cats can be high maintenance, more so than most house cats. Don't let this put you off, because when it comes to pure breeds, they are no higher maintenance. In fact, they are a lot less trouble than some of the long haired breeds like the Persian cat, which requires brushing and combing every day.
What does 'high maintenance' mean? Unlike the Persian cat, Siamese cats have a close short coat and although many like a brush they can look after their own coats. This also applies to the long-haired Siamese, called the Balinese or Javanese - they have an easy to manage longer silky coat.
Where they do require more attention is in the mental and psychological area. Without that attention, they will become unhappy, and an unhappy Siamese cat spells trouble. Picture this: shredded furniture and curtains, territory marking and self harming by pulling out their own fur, just for starters.
How does this affect your decision to buy that most tempting, cute and naughty Siamese kitten bundle?
If you are out of the house for hours on end, plan on either more than one Siamese or make real efforts to keep your cat entertained: that means special toys, treats hidden around the house, or special sleeping places by the window.
When you come home, plan on spending some quality time together. It will allow you to re-bond and your cat will forget your time apart.
Another option is a Balinese or Javanese, which also belong to the family of Siamese cats. Some breeders say that with a Balinese or Javanese, you get the character of a Siamese, but generally a more easy-going nature. If you plan on being at work all day, you might consider the longer-haired Balinese over the standard Siamese.
Take some time to think about what you want from your cat.
If the idea of a cat always hanging around, wanting attention, and mewling loudly with that piercing Siamese voice gets on your nerves even as you read this, then this truly might not be the best choice for you.
Do you have a hectic family life? Do you really have the time, energy and inclination to take care of the emotional needs of your Siamese? Remember, a lonely and ignored Siamese will be anti-social and get on your nerves even more - and that's a cruel thing.
Finally all cats cost money, vet bills, food and boarding costs soon add up. It would be so sad to end up having to give your cat away because you could not afford to keep it. If your job takes you away all the time having a Siamese is probably not a good idea. Take some time to think this through, before you buy your Siamese cat!
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If you still think you can care and provide for this most special and striking of cats, then read on - because Siamese cats are truly different.
Most owners agree that Siamese cats are special. They look different, with their darker paws and faces and blue eyes. And they have such a distinctive voice - even those who don't love cats can recognize a Siamese.
Siamese cats are on average more clever than most cats, although you can get exceptions.
You will be enchanted with their antics. While elegant in appearance, they can often be quite clumsy. Take care to bolt down all ornaments! Who knows - they may choose to be clumsy just to get your attention. They feel warmer than other cats when you cuddle them, and they love the heat. Those radiator beds are very popular in colder climates. And if you can provide them with the entertainment of a safe outdoor run they will love you for it.
Siamese cats cannot see as well as other cats at night though so watch that they don't come to any harm. Nor are all Siamese noisy, though some can howl the house down. Make sure you have easy-going neighbors who don't wonder why you're torturing your cat!
If you have more than one Siamese you will probably see that unlike the more independent breeds they will love to sleep in a great heap together, another good reason for having more than one. Occasionally, like any other cat, they'll take a dislike to their house mates and will never sleep close together, but this is rare.
Still fascinated by Siamese cats? Still convinced this is the perfect match for you?
That is good news, because a Siamese is truly a special friend.
A word of caution before you buy though: it's the same for all breeds, you should choose your kitten carefully. To avoid heartache, do your research properly and buy from a reputable breeder. After all, the last thing you want is a sick or weak kitten.
Still not put off? Then you will be rewarded with a wonderful special relationship this breed is rightly known for.
Training A Kitten - The Very First Steps
Training A Kitten
It's the big day. You've finally made the step and you bought that adorable little kitten with the big eyes and the uber soft fur. But as you bring him into your house, you're also probably wondering what to expect and how can you train your cat. And what do you even train him on?
Cats, luckily, are pretty independent and follow instinct. And lucky for us, their instincts are to be clean. So what then do you need to worry about when you bring home a new kitten?
The number 1 thing, I'd say is to slowly and lovingly acquaint your kitten to his surroundings. He's just been taken away from his mother, siblings, or friends, so as you can imagine, it can be a little stressful. So I'd like to share with you 7 things you can do to make sure your kitten is safe and sound, happy, and trained to poop in the right area, scratch the right things, and eat the correct stuff.
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Step 1. Kitty Proof The Place
- Remove or make sure they're not within Kitty's reach all plants, household products, and dangerous cables. Things such as detergent, oil, cleaning solutions should be kept away.
Step 2. Prepare A Safe Zone
- Prepare a basket filled with comfy blankets for your kitten to sleep in and make his own. Keep it in a quiet area and make sure it's in a warm place.
Step 3. Show Him Where The Food Is
- Place Kitty's food and water bowls in a nice and quiet area, away from traffic and his litter box. Cats don't eat where they you-know-what, so make sure they're far away from each other. Ensure your cat always has a full bowl of water too.
Step 4. Litter Box Training
- Place the litter box in a secluded area and lead your kitten to it. Put him in the box and make sure that the box is small enough so that your kitten won't have any trouble getting into it. You can upgrade to a bigger box as your cat get's older. The first few times your cat uses the box, praise the lil' guy and tell him what an awesome job he did. Give him a treat if you feel like it.
If you find he's still not going in the litter box, monitor him right after eating. When he looks like he's about to go, quickly pick him up (gently - we want to make this a fun experience) and put him in the box to do this business.
Others have found success by picking up the kitten's paw and dragging it through the litter to trigger their instincts.
Step 5. Couch And Bed Etiquette
- Some people don't mind sleeping with their cats or having their cats up on the couch. I'm one of those. I love snuggling with my cat on a cold winter's day. But if you prefer to not have them playing on your furniture, start right away. It gets really confusing if you let them up on your bed when they're a kitten and not when they're a cat. This is confusing and hurtful! So firmly remind them with a big NO that they're not allowed on the couch and praise them when they sleep in their assigned bed space.
Training a kitten to not jump on the bed can be difficult, so be persistent.
Step 6. Introducing The Scratching Post
- Unless you don't care about your furniture, you should invest in a scratching post as soon as your kitten is brought home. Cats are scratchers. They will always scratch and there's nothing you can do a bout it, so learn to live with it. The only thing you can do is choose where they can scratch. So buy a scratching post and put it either near their food or bed as they often like to scratch upon waking up. Make sure it's tall enough for your cat to extend fully. You can encourage them by rubbing cat nip on the post and dangling toys above it.
If your kitten does scratch your furniture, say NO and act angry. Cats will pick up on the tone of your voice. You can use a squirt bottle but sparingly and never hit them. And if you don't actually catch your kitten in the act of scratching your furniture, do not punish them. They will get confused and not know what they did wrong.
Step 7. Other Pets
- If you have other pets introduce them slowly. You may want to sequester each of your pets in different rooms or parts of your house for a while and monitor their interactions for the first month or two. Until you see that they can behave properly with each other, you may leave them alone with one another. Your first pet will feel a little territorial, and this is natural, so don't exclude them from your love and affection. Remind them that they are still loved.
Well, i hope this helps you on training a kitten. These are the most important steps and if you get them down, your kitten will become a very happy cat.
Cat Vomiting? 5 Natural Remedies To Keep Your Kitty's Stomach Happy
Cat Vomiting
You come home and smell something a little rank. You're not sure what it is and then BAM! A little pool of muck. Maybe it's brown, maybe it's yellow, maybe there's even some hair in it. You've just come across cat vomit.
This has happened to me more than I'd like to admit and as much as I wish I could walk up to my cat and say, "Okay, what happened? Are you feeling okay now? What did you eat? Is this the first time you puked?", it'd just be an act in futility.
Here's the deal. Cats' stomachs are incredibly sensitive and they're more slaves to routine than you or me. If the slightest change in diet occurs, or they ingest something a little different, this could be enough to set them off.
So if your cat has been vomiting or you'd like to take preventative measures to ensure this doesn't happen, I highly recommend you follow the following 5 natural remedies to prevent cat vomiting.
1. Keep All Plants Out Of Your Cat's Reach
You may not think that this is a big deal. After all, you've never seen your cat eat your plant, have you? Well, cats are sneaky. While you're away at work they know that they can't get caught in the act for doing naughty things. So they might start to nibble on your plants.
This is extremely dangerous. Some plants (such as grass or catnip) aren't a big deal in small doses but in big amounts, it can be fatal. On top of that, many plants can be outright poisonous, even to humans. The Christmas plant, poinsettia is a good example.
So just to be safe, keep all plants away from your cat.
2. Switch To A High End Cat Food
I'm not saying you have to spend an exorbitant amount on cat food but you should at least look for a premium brand that has a high percentage of protein (minimum 30%, more if you have a kitten). The cat food you choose should clearly label the ingredients and what type of meat is being used.
Also make a note of how much filler of food dye is used. This kind of artificial stuff is no good for anyone, especially your cat. You might not notice a difference immediately but imagine if you ate fast food every single day for years. Can you think of what that might do to your body and digestive track?
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You should also pick a cat food that is meant for your cat's age. These days you'll be able to find a cat food for almost any stage of a cat's life, be it kitten, "teenage", adult, or mature. In addition, you can find cat foods specific to your cats needs, such as feed that is meant for overweight or underweight cats or cats with sensitive stomachs
3. Don't Feed Them Treats That Aren't Meant For Cats
It's okay to give your cat scraps from the dinner table every now and then. Just make sure it's pure meat, such as pure chicken or fish. No sauce, no MSG, no additives or anything.
This rule should be extended to visitors and guests of the house, since they might not know. Another cat owner will probably have to sense to not feed your cat but children and dog owners might not.
Instead, keep handy a pack of treats for your cat. Should anybody want to give Kitty a treat, you can just pass them the bag.
4. Regulate Meal Times
Nobody wants a cat vomiting all over the place just because they ate too much. It's uncomfortable for your cat and highly unhygienic. I recommend regulating their meal times. Routine is a good thing. Regulate when they eat and how much they eat.
Some cats will eat until there's nothing left, while other cats will eat as fast as they can. You've probably had this happen to you before. You eat as fast as you can and by the time you feel full, you also feel sick and bloated.
Cats can be the same. Instead, give them a set amount of food and no more. You may want to consult your vet to see how much food you can give your Kitty.
5. Lock Your Cleaning Supplies Away
Sometimes your cat will get a little too curious and taste test your cleaning supplies. So just to be safe, keep them locked away and ensure that your cat can't get a hold of them.
6. *BONUS* Tip - Wash Your Cat's Water And Food Bowl Frequently
Many people forget to do this, especially for the water bowl. Clean your cat's water and food bowls everyday. Dust, bacteria, and all kinds of dirt can fall in unbeknownst to the naked eye. I recommend washing the food bowl before and after feeding time. As for the water bowl, I recommend getting a covered one or even a filtered fountain version. Those are fun and many cats enjoy running water instead of still water.
If you follow all 6 of these tips, having a cat vomiting will be the least of your worries. Instead you can focus on your scratched furniture