Feral Cats: What Is a Feral Cat?

Feral cats make up approximately half of the population of felines in the United States. Because these felines live on the street they must find food and shelter anywhere that they can, including abandoned buildings, alleyways, and beneath dumpsters. Most people are aware that these homeless cats exist, though many people do not know the true story behind these feral felines.

Feral cats have been living among humans for over 10,000 years. These felines are the offspring of other homeless cats, which is why they spend their lives on the street. Feral cats live in colonies with other homeless cats, and these felines work together to find shelter and food.

Feral felines have never been properly socialized with humans, which causes them to be wary of human contact. Because of this, homeless cats will often run away or act aggressively if a human tries to approach them. Feral cats are different from your pet cat, and without years of work to socialize them they will never be interested in trusting, or even playing with a human.

Feral cats are not spayed or neutered, which is a main reason why the homeless cat population continues to grow. In fact, a pair of breeding cats and their offspring can collectively give birth to 420,000 kittens in only 7 years.

Organizations have been implementing Trap Neuter Return programs to reduce these homeless cat population numbers. Trap Neuter Return is a program where volunteers humanely trap feral cats, take them to a Veterinarian to be spayed or neutered, and then return them back to their home colony. These felines are often given ear tips to make it apparent to other volunteers that a cat has been spayed or neutered. Ear tips are created when a small portion of a cat's ear is surgically removed by a Veterinarian. Learn more about Trap Neuter Return and ear tips in this Alley Cat Allies video.

Although some communities have devoted volunteers and organizations working to help homeless cats, most feral cats have a tough time living on the street. This is due to a lack of food, harsh living conditions, the threat of animal cruelty, and viruses such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia. In fact, many of these felines will only live to a maximum age of 5 years old. If you would like to help homeless cats in your community be sure to contact your local animal shelter or organization to find out how you can help.

Cat Health Problems to Look Out For

There are all sorts of cat health problems you should look out for but I'm going to tell you about this one because I had recent personal experience with it and it was very bad news for our six year old boy cat, Rafiki, usually called Raffers. I hope that what I write will help someone else to recognise the symptoms or if not, then to help with the treatment of a beloved cat.

The unfortunate thing about cat health problems is that often, there aren't any really obvious symptoms.. If a cat has sickness or diarrhoea or is coughing then you know there's something wrong but many times your only clue is a change in behaviour.

In this case, Raffers seemed to be eating and drinking normally and going outside as he usually would. We noticed that some of the plant pots in our front porch had been dug up quite vigorously (there was soil all over the step) but blamed that on young Scruffy, who is a hooligan at the best of times.

Eventually, after a day or so, we realised that Raffers was just lying around on the front door mat and hardly moving. We brought him into the house and provided a litter tray which he went to straight away, scratched around a lot and appeared to be peeing but nothing happened. That set off alarm bells so we rushed him to the vet (after hours the day before a public holiday, naturally) and the vet immediately diagnosed a kidney stone stuck in his ureter (the tube which leads from the kidney to the bladder) hence he was unable excrete urine at all.

The vet did an emergency operation laparascopically to remove the stone by breaking it into smaller pieces (I think). He then inserted a catheter, tied on a collar to stop Raffers from trying to remove it and we were able to take him home just about an hour later. The vet had warned us that if things didn't go smoothly, it could take up to four hours so we were relieved.

Ongoing treatment involved washing out the bladder twice daily using a small syringe and sterilised water. The urine leaked constantly from the catheter so to stop it going everywhere, we borrowed a cage from our local cat charity and lined it with newspaper, a towel for comfort all covered with a human bed protector bought from the pharmacy. The bed protector needed changing about three times a day but it was a bit big for the cage so Raffers became quite adept at folding over the damp bit and using a dry part to lie on. We let him out of the cage to use his litter tray for defecating and for exercise. Fortunately, we have tiled floors so the leakage from the catheter could easily be wiped up. It would be a different matter for carpets!

As well as the bladder washing, we had to try to keep Raffers clean as he couldn't clean himself because of the collar. For this we used baby wipes. He never really look dry round his rear end but it was the best we could do.

Every few days we went back to the vet for antibiotic injections and after ten days or so, the vet removed the catheter. The collar could go too but we had to keep Raffers in for another ten days so there was no risk of infection; we didn't use the cage any more though as he wasn't incontinent and could clean himself properly so he just sat on the sofa as usual.

All was well when we returned to the vet for Raffers' check up and he was given a clean bill of health. but barely two hours later, we noticed that he couldn't stand up. Literally, his back legs had given way.

How To Maintain The Cleanliness Of Your Cats

Cats are one of the best pets that you can have at home. They not only serve as a companion and friend for you, but also help you get rid of rats in your home. However, if this is the first time that you own a cat, you should know the proper way of taking care of them.

To ensure that your cats will be healthy and fit, you need to make sure that you will feed them the right kind of food to make them strong, and give medications when they get sick. Aside from these two, you also need to make sure that your cat is clean all the time.

Cats are one of the best when it comes to cleanliness, but still there are parts of the body that cats cannot clean by themselves. Therefore, you need to make sure that you will clean these areas for them. Here are some of the areas that you should clean.

The Cat's Eyes

When it comes to vision, cats can see five times more than the human eye can see during nighttime. Therefore, you need to make sure that you will freshen up their vision by cleaning their eyes. You can clean the eye area of your cat with the use of a soft and damp cloth. Check the eyes for infections and injuries and consult a veterinarian immediately if you found any.

Comb Their Hair

You need to comb and brush the hair of your cat to avoid hairballs. In case there are hairballs that you should get rid of, you can cut them or shave them off.

Clean the Ears

Cats cannot clean their ears and you need to make sure that their ears are always clean. However, you must refrain from using cotton buds when cleaning their ears, since it will hurt them. Use a soft cloth instead and wipe the dirt away from their ears gently.

Brush Their Teeth

Dirty mouth can cause diseases to your cats and therefore, you need to brush them regularly. You might need to the advice of a veterinarian to know the proper way of brushing your cat's teeth.

Check for Fleas and Ticks

You need to make sure that your cat is free from ticks and fleas. These insects are parasites and your cat will never be healthy if they are infested with these pests.

Ensuring that your cats are clean will protect them from illness and disease. Therefore, you need to make sure that every area of your cat's body is clean.

Things You Ought to Know About Cat Food

The saying goes, "You're what you eat", and this is simply true even for cats. Felines depend tremendously on their owners to get the sustenance they need through cat food. Every owner out there has a duty to make sure that their cats are considerably fed, along with giving them proper medical attention all thanks to veterinarians. It is also highly important to remember that owners who give their cats the suitable kinds of food will not have to worry about added medical expenditures. If there is one such fault that these people often make, it is that they'd resort to the most affordable brands to cut down on costs.

Nevertheless, this might also mean that they are depriving their cats of the necessary nutrients that will warrant them live long and healthy lives. Feeding them way reasonably priced foods would risk getting unneeded carbohydrates in their tiny frames, which would then result in more costs at the local vets. Below are just a few other essentials about cat food that owners ought to be conscious of.

I. Dry food proves to be a opportune choice, and can also be left out in the open to be fed to kitties. They won't spoil easily in comparison with wet and semi-moist foods.

II. Canned foods are typically profuse in water content. While this may provide some nutrients to cats, owners must recognize that these creatures aren't exactly fond of drinking water on a regular basis.

III. It is always important to research on the ingredients of the foods being taken into consideration for purchase. Owners should make certain that their cats are getting the proper nutrients, meaning that their edibles must be full of loads of vitamins and minerals.

IV. cats might often get bored being served the same kinds of food on each day. Therefore, it's recommended for owners to mix their options up from time to time. apart from boredom, kitties would also be deprived of nutrients found in other types of foods.

V. Much like human beings, kitties can also acquire an allergy of sorts to particular kinds of food over the course of time. Although it is a pretty extraordinary occurrence, cat owners should always bear in mind to be very watchful of the food they serve their pets. This is true, most particularly when allergies have been renowned in the past.

These are just several of the essentials regarding cat food.

Tips to Find the Best Cat Kennel While You Are Away

When you bring home a little kitten, you immediately get attached to the little fur ball. You feed him, bathe him, and make a bed for him. Such close association with your pet makes you worrisome about their health and well being. With time, they become a part of the family and are treated as children.

There are some places where only humans are allowed, and the association with your pet falls into jeopardy. There are times when your friends or colleagues visit you or a relative from a distant place comes to stay with you, and say that they are allergic to fur. Trust me, such allergies do exist. The stress of being separated from your pet can be high. To cool off such situations, its better to find a second home for them. These are known as "cat kennels".

Although, it is quite normal to think that no one can take better care of your animal than yourself, but there are people like you who love animals and have dozens of pets. After all, you cannot tell your boss that you are unable to travel, because there is none to take care of your cat. If it's a matter of a day or two, your cat will be able to manage on his own. But if you are away for a longer time, your animal and house, both will suffer the consequences.

Its better to resort to a cat kennel in such cases. Here are some useful tips before you put your cat in a kennel:

• Your very first step should be to find out the best cat kennels near your house. Talk to the keepers about the facilities provided at the kennel. Talk to them about your cat's behavioral aspects and habits.You should confirm that they provide clean pet food and water to the pets there or not.

• Check for the pre requisites they need before you keep your cat at their shelter. Most kennels ask for pre-vaccinated animals, they may ask for the medical records of your cat. Keep them ready with you.

• Talk to the keepers about your pet's food preferences and timings. Ask for their suggestions if your pet has some difficult habits. Most kennels provide vet services and have on-duty veterinary doctors. Check with your kennel if they have such a facility.

• Also, confirm the regular cleaning and bathing of pets, what products they use to clean fur, is your cat allergic to them? It is good to check on things beforehand, and if necessary provide the keeper with the products which are safe for your animal.

• Visit the kennels before choosing the first you see, look for other pets and tell the keeper if there some seem to be problematic and intimidating for your cat. It depends on your animal's behavior whether they are social or like to stay aloof, discuss it with the kennel owners.

• Finally, check with the kennel whether they have a pick up and drop off facility, which may come in handy when you have exceeded the limit of days. Also, it is advisable to take your cat back to its known environment as soon as possible, as animals tend to feel lonely and depressed while they are away from their home and owners.

Cats: Six Signs That Point to Disease

Look up the six signs that can help you to discover if your pet is sick. Knowing how your cat looks like can help you determine what is normal and what is a result of possible disease.

These six signs can help you determine if your cat is sick:

1. Weight change

Weight change is not normal in most cats and it can be the first signal that something is wrong, says India Leyn, veterinary medicine professor from the University of Tennessee. Increased weight in cats is often linked with excessive eating. While a veterinary can help you determine what is normal for your kind of pet and it's age, you can see for yourself if your kitty is a little bit too fat.

If you notice that the belly is hanging and you can't feel it's ribs, it is normal and points to too much weight.

2. Unmaintained fur

When cats are nervous they often shed their fur. If that is the case, changing the environment can cause a lot of stress on cats. If the cat has stopped grooming, that can be a sigh for concern, because cats are very meticulous when it comes to personal care.

3. Pale gums and bad breath

Regularly checking their gums can help you spot certain changes more easily. Pale gums can signalize that something is wrong. A subtle change in color can be the indicator of bad circulation or disease. Bad breath, that is not a result of something the cat ate that day can also be a sign that something is wrong.

4. Dilated pupils

Look in your cats eyes, you should see identical pupils that are not dilated. In certain diseases the pupils can get large, but also stay that way for a longer period of time.

5. Shallow and fast breathing

Respiratory problems can also be a signal that something isn't right, but you need to get a detailed examination of your cat to tell if something is wrong.

6. Mood changes

Although most signals can be seen on the body, mood changes are also an obvious sign that your cat ca be ill. If you notice that the cat is defecating in a place that is not usual for that, if it's hiding in unusual places, if it is aggressive or refuses interaction with family members - all of that indicates an illness.

India Leyn thinks that if you notice 3 of the given symptoms: trouble with breathing, dilated pupils or urinating problems, you should call a veterinary immediately.

In other cases, watch the cat for a few days, and if you still suspect that there is a problem with it's health call a veterinary without delay.

Bathing A Cat: 10 Survival Tips

All cat owners dread bath time, just like parents with toddlers do. Bathing a cat can be a traumatic and life-endangering prospect for you and your beloved pet. While Fluffy may seem sweet and demure 99% of the time, all bets go out the window when you hold them in your arms and approach a tub, a sink or other body of water. The unfortunate reality for pets and owners alike is that your cat will occasionally need to be bathed in order to maximize health and reduce the likelihood for potential problems. While it may not be an idea that you enjoy, it's one that will eventually need to be done.

In order to minimize harm to you and your animal, the following tips and suggestions are helpful to make bath time a success - if not a pleasure for all parties involved.

1. Trim nails prior to bathing
Cat claws can be deadly weapons. If you've ever held your loving pet in your arms and then dumped out a glass of water or turned on a faucet, you're probably aware of the dangers. It behooves you to trim your cats nails (all of them, not just the front ones) prior to addressing the issue of a bath. Not only can you avoid having your arms ripped to pieces, you can calm your cat as well. Don't go straight from the nail-trimming to the bathtub, either. Let your cat relax before showering water over them. Some cats respond to nail-clipping calmly, and others see it as an act of war.

2. Plan your bath time accordingly
Bath time should not immediately follow playtime. If your cat is calm, they're likely to respond to the prospect of bathing better than if they're hyped up on catnip or have just played run and dash with their siblings.

3. Start with a calm brushing
Chances are you don't want a huge mess of hair all over your sink or tub. Before approaching the bath, make sure to remove any loose fur. Brushing a cat also calms them and makes them feel safe and loved - and they're much more likely to approach the situation calmly.

4. Give them a leg to stand on
Wet surfaces can easily become slippery, and if your cat doesn't have something steady to stand on, they can become even more freaked out by the process. Put a slip-proof mat or cloth in the bathtub or the sink to allow them the ability to feel secure in a situation that they definitely don't like.

5. Avoid sensitive areas
You probably wouldn't want someone to just dump a cup of water over your head, carelessly ignoring the fact that water and soap in the eyes is unpleasant. When initially moistening your pet, take care to avoid getting water directly in their eyes, ears or nose. They will appreciate your sensitivity and will become less likely to try to bite or claw their way free - especially since you've already trimmed their nails (right?).

6. Use the correct products
When bathing a cat, don't make the assumption that your shampoo will work just as well as shampoo especially designed for cats. Human shampoo can dry out your cat's skin and make it more sensitive, and you wouldn't want to use a product that could potentially harm them. Make sure to follow the directions for the shampoo that you're using as well - most cat shampoos require dilution prior to use. Using a solution that is too highly concentrated could have potentially harmful effects.

7. Thoroughly clean the face
Instead of dousing your cats' face with lukewarm (never hot) water, use a washcloth to gently clean the area. If your cat's face is particularly dirty, you may have to use shampoo that is even more diluted, but generally regular water works just fine.

8. Rinse thoroughly
You'll want to make sure that you get all of the shampoo off of your pet before you can call your bath a success. A good rule of thumb is to rinse twice as long as you have shampooed. If shampoo is left on the skin or fur to dry, it attracts dirt and dust and makes the entire point of the bath a failure. Dried shampoo can also hurt and dry your cat's skin and make it uncomfortable for them - and you definitely don't want them to ingest it unintentionally as they try to lick the remnants of the bath (and the memory of it) away for good.

9. Dry down
Don't allow your cat to run away as soon as the water part is over. If they're left sopping wet in an area that is cold or drafty, it's easy for them to get sick. Wrap them in a clean towel and remove as much of the excess water as possible. This is also a good time for you to hold them close and reassure them that the hard part is over.

10. Reward for a job well done
If you've successfully completed the process, you may be ready for a strong drink - but your cat deserves a reward too. While they may never associate a bath with fun, make sure that they're aware of how appreciative you are to still be (mostly) intact. Speak calmly to them, reassure them - and as soon as they trust you enough to be within arms' reach of you again, give them a lot of reassuring petting as well. Leave a treat for them in their bowl or near you and let them know that they did a good job.

Rescue Cats - The Ultimate Friend

They've been abandoned, neglected and mistreated. Society and irresponsible owners have forgotten about them. They're rescue cats. Taken in by animal welfare societies and all needing a loving home to save them literally from death row.

Their stories are all too familiar. Abandoned and left to fend for themselves, sometimes with kittens or the gift that the novelty has worn off. One thing they all have in common is the fact that humans have let them down. Perhaps the once dedicated pet owner couldn't handle the fact that their cat was now pregnant and expecting kittens. Did they not have the initiative to desex their cat if it was not already done? Instead, the poor little mother cat will pay for this, probably with her life.

I could go on and on about the irresponsible pet owners who are responsible for the huge number of euthanized pets each year. But I want to shine the light on owning a 'rescue cat'.

Having not owned a cat for 20 years or so, our family was adopted by a gorgeous tortoiseshell ( yes, that's right, I mean she adopted us! ) who after several weeks of capturing our hearts, made the fateful mistake of entering the neighbours yard with large, savage dogs.

We lost our princess to them savages and vowed to never lose our heart again to a cat.

Well, that lasted around 24 hours before hubby called me and said 'we need another cat'.

I was not comfortable with the thought of the neighbours dogs and the fact that cats loved to climb and no mountain was high enough for them. Lots of research revealed most cats love to be indoors! Well this surprised me as I had only seen strays roaming around the streets or cats curled up on verandahs. So we set about giving a new arrival the best of both worlds. Our next cat would be an indoor cat with a tunnel leading from the house out to the 'Taj Mahal' of outdoor catteries. A huge cattery that measures 6m x 6m and comes off the side of our double garage. It has tropical plants under the covered roof section and soft sand for toileting needs and soft grass, benches and rocks to relax on and bask in the sun. What a relief, knowing our new arrival would now have the best of both worlds in complete safety. No dogs, no car accidents or fighting with strays.

Now we could begin the search for our next beautiful cat. Within a few hours I had googled every NSW breeeder of either Ragdoll, Himalayan, Persian or any other breed of fluffy cat in NSW. Nobody had a kitten for sale. I was told it was the wrong time of year for kittens. All we wanted was a fluffy kitten just like our beautiful stray!

Then a thought struck - what about the RSPCA and the local animal shelters. Not knowing a great deal about cats, we had naturally assumed breeders were the way to go. But as we found out, the animal welfare places are full of every beautiful cat you could possibly want. Fluffy persians, sleek Siamese and the common old tabby. You can find them all!

And this is where we found our first rescue girl. 'Mercedes' is a chocolate brown ball of fluff who was found abandoned on a jobsite with her kittens and a collar that had embedded itself under her arm somehow. We took this little angel home and nursed her wound for a few weeks and saw her transform from a frightened and injured young mother cat to a loving and confident cat who changed our lives completely. She has helped us discover just what interesting, funny and regal animals cats are.

Well a few weeks later, we felt our princess needed some companionship, so back to the RSPCA we went and this time came home with a stunning fluffy tortoiseshell called 'Poppy'.

Within a week our two girls were the best of friends. A friend once told me 'once you get one cat you won't stop'. I laughed at the time but now know she was right!

Over the next 4 months my daily viewing of the animal welfare websites saw us take in 2 more little girls. They are both little replicas of the first 2. We are now the delighted owners of 2 fluffy chocolate brown beauties and 2 equally fluffy tortoisehell princesses. And they are all rescue cats, with their own sad tales who have fortunately been given a second chance. But we all know it is us, the owners of these majestic creatures that are the lucky ones, arent we...

Introducing a New Cat

Introducing a new cat into the home can be a scary thing not just for your new cat but for the other cats that already live there. Throwing them all in together and expecting them to be friends will not work. Neither will keeping them apart for ever in the house. The key is time and patience and almost always the cats will eventually get along.

When you bring a new cat home it is best to set up a room for them where they can be shut away to start with. The room should have plenty of space for them to walk around in and have a litter tray, water, food, bed and a few toys in. Allow your other cats the rest of the house like normal so not to upset what they already know. Then each day make several trips into the room where your new cat is and cuddle them and play with them. The idea of the first week is to just settle your new cat into their new home. Make sure you still pay attention to your other cats though by playing with them and hugging them.

After a week or so allow your new cat out for a few hours during the day or evening with your supervision with the others. Never keep them all in a confined space as if a fight breaks out more damage can be done as there is less space for them to get away from each other. One way of getting them to interact without realising they are playing together is by playing with them all with toys. This takes their mind off who they are with. If things get a bit heated just take your new cat back to his room, give him a cuddle and try again the next day. Same goes for the cats already in the house... make sure you cuddle them.

Slowly you should find over the next few weeks they start to put up with each other longer and longer. During this stage though you should still never leave them alone by leaving the house. Not only could one of your kitty's get hurt but you could find a yourself with a bill from the vets for treatment which is unnecessary as it does not need to happen!

After a few weeks you should find your cats have bonded enough to be allowed together all the time. It might take a bit longer, you might find they bond a bit quicker but whichever way round it is just be patient, do not shout at your cats and allow time for them to get along.

You will soon find you have some very happy cats as they realise they have new friends.

Robyn Lang

Cat Activity Centre

Where Should Cats Sleep?

Baskets:
Cats love all sorts of baskets, sometimes at first glance you'll find some baskets that look way to small for your cat, don't let that fool you. Sometimes the cat will like that one better than the larger ones. Remember, cats love that hugged feeling they get from the smaller borders. You may have to try out several to find the one your cat likes the most. Garage and yard sales are great places to find baskets on the cheap. Once you find the one your cat seems to fit in best, you can add a lining or little pad to it so it will be more comfy for kitty.

Boxes:
Cats love to sleep in boxes, one box in particular is the shoe box, they get that nice snug feeling in a shoe box slightly smaller than what you think they would need. A good idea would be to try out several different boxes of varying sizes. Keep in mind to if you have more than one cat some will want to cuddle up together in the same box, so you may want to try a couple larger boxes as well.

Drawers:
If your cat likes spending time in your bedroom sleeping and you have a drawer you don't use, make it up just for your cat. This will not only give him a nice place to sleep, it will keep him out of your other drawers if you forget to close one all the way on those hurried days getting off to work.

Large Paper Grocery Sacks:
Roll down the top of the large grocery sack, add a little pillow or pad and your cat will jump in cuddle up for hours. They also make that crinkling sound so they'll be playing and jumping around in the bag before they realize they can sleep in it. These work most of the time, even if they don't work for them sleeping they will spend hours playing in them. Your

Bed:
In our house we put a little pillow at the foot of the bed and let them sleep there. Of course they just take over and sleep where ever they want. If you let this happen there is no way out, they will do it every night, trust me I know from experience.

Just know that everything you do for your cats you'll get back one hundred fold in cuddles, cat kisses and a true loving companion for years to come.

Fun About a Cats Whiskers and the Mysterious Purr

As any cat lover knows, felines can be affectionate and loving. But one has to wonder what these amazing creatures would say if they could talk. Most likely they wouldn't be spilling any cat secrets if they had the chance, but most cats seem to take pleasure in their own mysterious nature. Unlike dogs, cats usually like to maintain a bit of distance, except of course, when their inner goofball decides to grace us with its presence. With that in mind, consider these two interesting points: why and how cats purr and what are those beautiful whiskers for anyway?

First, what's causing that purr? If you sit down and think about it, a human smile can be more mysterious than we actually think. An example can be how some people smile when they are actually exasperated, angry, or even anxious. Similarly, dogs occasionally wag their tail when they become alarmed. Purring cats can generally mean the same things. If a felines hair is raised, that purr may not mean an invite to pet them, but may actually be a threat.

Since our feline friends lack the complex voice boxes to speak with us, it is not at all surprising cats need to double up on the purposes of purring. An interesting fact provided by Animal Planet explains special wiring connects a cat's brain to his or her voice box. It actually vibrates the muscles contained within the voice box to act as valves to flow air in and out during normal breathing. The opening and closing of these muscles and the valves they control is what creates the sound a purr makes.

Now that we understand why and how cats purr, the next area to cover are the whiskers. No matter your age or if you're a cat person or not, we have all seen the whiskers on either side of a cats mouth and possibly wondered what purpose they serve. Besides being the iconic image of a cat, their whiskers provide important sensory information. Petside.com explains that cat whiskers are an essential aspect of a cat's navigational equipment and obviously implies that trimming or cutting your cats whiskers should never happen. Interestingly, the source also reports that cats use their whiskers for communicating their moods. Much like observing whether your cat's hackles are raised, you can read a certain amount of body language into the whiskers. When pulled back, the whiskers indicate that a cat is angry or defensive. Relaxed or pushed forward means your cat's curious and/or happy - willing to explore and possibly hang out.

What You Should Know About Traveling With a Cat

No matter which way you travel, the cat must have a collar with a tag on which your name and phone number is indicated, or electronic microchip. In this case, if the cat is lost, you will have more chances to find it.

If you most often travel by car, teach your cat from childhood to travel in a car. In this case, the cat will not worry or be afraid of the upcoming trip and will take it better. Many cats travel with pleasure, if they are accustomed to travel since childhood.

For your safety cat should be transported in a special bag or basket, which must also be fastened by a seat belt to reduce the risk of injury in an accident. The cat should not distract the driver. Cats that travel a lot, often see their basket as "home away from home," and so do not worry on the trip. Such bag or basket is a comfortable and safe refuge for the cat during the trip.

If you have to leave the cat in the car for a while, make sure that the car will be in the shade all the time you are away, because the car overheating in the sun increases the temperature in a closed cabin, and certainly leads to a heat stroke in a cat. Also make sure that the car is well ventilated. For this purpose there are special screens that are attached to the open windows, ensuring the car safety and sufficient air circulation.

Naturally, if you have a long trip to go (more than an hour on the road) you will need to bring enough food, water and toilet tray. Take regular stops on the way, so that your cat could eat, drink and relieve itself.

If you are going away for a long time, check the terms of the vaccinations made to your cat, as the new area could be more unfavorable for infectious diseases than yours. Attention should also be given to prevention of the appearance of external parasites in a cat, such as ticks and fleas. Consult your veterinarian about anti-ectoparasite agents, carefully comb your cat every day and inspect its skin for early detection of external parasites.

If you plan to stay in the new place for a long time, find out where is the nearest veterinary clinic.

There are some cases when you need to transport your cat by public transport. In the bus, train or the plane you may be required to transport a cat separate from you. Take time to accustom the cat to its basket for travel, teach it to feel safe with familiar things, toys and bedding. Otherwise, the trip apart from the owner will cause fear of a cat. Do not feed your cat for six hours before the trip. Consult your veterinarian what to do if a cat is suffering from the "motion sickness."

By following such simple rules the journey will please the cat and will not bring unnecessary trouble for the owner.

Kitty Breeds: Somali Kittens

No one is completely sure how Somali kittens were first bred, but we do know that they first appeared around World War II and come from Abyssinians. Experts on cat breeds believe that they come from Abyssinians with a recessive longhair gene. This was probably due to the decrease in Abyssinians around that time which led to crossbreeding with similar long haired cats in order to rebuild the Abyssinian breed. This is one of the kitty breeds that was also built up by accident when some Abyssinian breeders in different countries such as the United States and Canada got long haired kittens that they decided to dub Somali cats.

As you can guess from the history of Somali kittens, they look like a longhaired version of the Abyssinian. They share the presence of white fur on the bottom of their chins as well as the appearance of wearing dark eyeliner. All Somali cats have a mark on the forehead that looks like an "M." Because of their bushy tail and coloring and ears resembling that of foxes, in some ways Somalis look more like other animals than they do like other cat breeds. Like many kitty breeds, they have a medium build.

You might worry that because of the long coat of Somali kittens they need a lot of grooming, but luckily that is not the case. They only need weekly brushing to keep their coat healthy and unlike many kitty breeds, they do not shed much. Female Somali cats generally weigh 6 to 9 pounds and males of the breed weigh 10 to 12. While Somalis are not generally unhealthy, they are prone to dental conditions such as gingivitis so make sure to brush its teeth regularly in order to maintain healthy gums. This is one of the cat breeds with one popular coat color (golden brown with black ticks) but many other color options which are less common (there are 28 in total).

Somali cats are very energetic and athletic, loving to play with their humans and with their toys (even fetching them). They are also one of the intelligent cat breeds which means they can be trained fairly easily although be wary of their strong will. Somali kittens are very curious, attentive and loving. They are also one of the kitty breeds that although loyal to their humans loves the company of children and other pets. They are not very talkative but do enjoy kneading laps. Because of their personality, Somalis are great for all families whether they have children or other pets.

Kitty Breeds: Colorpoint Shorthair Kittens

Colorpoint Shorthair kittens are one of the cat breeds that was designed by breeders with a specific goal in mind. In this case, breeders wanted to produce a cat that was similar to Siamese cats but had pointed colors that were not typical to the breed. American and British Siamese breeders began attempting to produce Colorpoint Shorthair cats in the 1940s by crossing Siamese with Domestic Shorthairs of the red tabby variety and with Abyssinians. At first the results of the breeding were mixed but the resulting cats were crossed with Siamese again and produced the cats we have today.

Unlike other kitty breeds, this one took a while to be recognized as distinct from its predecessor, Siamese. It was finally recognized by the CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) in 1974 but both TICA (The International Cat Association) and the AFCA (the American Cat Fanciers Association) recognize Colorpoint Shorthair kittens as a subset of Siamese instead of their own.

Because of their history, These cats are one of the many kitty breeds that look similar to Siamese. In their case, they share the body type with a lean, long appearance and large blue, almond-shaped eyes on a wedge-shaped head. Like other cat breeds related to the Siamese, they have large, flared ears. Despite their similarity to their Siamese cousins, they have different coloring, as this was the main goal in their breeding. You can find kittens of this breed in colors that you cannot find in Siamese, such as different color points and the Himalayan pattern. Some of the colorpoints found in this breed include cream, lynx (tabby), tortoiseshell and red.

Like other kitty breeds related to the Siamese, you do not need to groom Colorpoint Shorthair kittens very often. All that is required is an occasional wetting of their fur which they will then groom dry. You can brush Colorpoint Shorthair cats using a rubber brush to get rid of loose hairs. In order to keep your Colorpoint Shorthair at the same level of health as other muscular kitty breeds, it is recommended that you make sure they keep a balanced diet with large amounts of protein.

One important thing to know before adopting a Colorpoint Shorthair kitten is that this is one of the most vocal cat breeds (taking after their Siamese cousins). They will get your attention by crying and have over 100 different vocal sounds so don't be surprised if you hear an odd sounding meow. They are also very intelligent (once again like their Siamese cousins) so can be trained if you choose. Colorpoint Shorthair cats are very active and playful in addition to being sensitive to the moods of their humans.

Colorpoint Shorthair cats generally do well with both other pets and children although in some cases, a male may become aggressive to other pets if they want to show their dominance or feel the other animal has invaded their territory. Other than this possibility, this is one of the cat breeds that is great with all types of families whether they have children and/or pets or not.

Cat Problems - Cat Aggression

In my opinion cats aren't aggressive towards other cats for no reason. Don't forget they are related to the larger wilder versions of the cat family. Of course they hunt, have territorial and survival instincts, which will bring out their natural, aggressive streak, but for them to be hostile otherwise could mean that they have suffered some type of trauma. Problems will arise in your household if you own more than one cat with behavioural problems.

Different types of cat on cat aggression can be identified and associated to an origin. Whatever aggression is displayed by your cat it can help you to observe and note down their behaviour, in order to get to the root of the issue.

If you have a rescue cat, that may have had a traumatic background, then you will have to be very understanding and observant to their needs. Allowing them their little quirks and habits is usually not a problem for most owners, but attacking behaviour towards any other cats you have could be a dangerous situation. Ask yourself if you're prepared to take this on before visiting an animal shelter and find out as much as you can of their past. Think about your other cats characteristics and how it will affect them. You will only add to the new cats trauma if you have to take them back to the centre. Some wounds never heal, remember you may never fully understand or know your new cats history. So, if you are taking a rescue cat on, keep in mind that patience and lots of love are the best treatments for any cat that has had a disturbed background.

Maternal aggressive, behaviour usually only occurs in mother cats. Although some male cats will be protective over a litter of kittens as well. Some female cats are thankful of other cats when they look out her new litter; others will be very possessive and protective and will not trust another cat to be nearby. The over-protective mum will have a fight with any cat, male or female, it won't matter to her. She can inflict serious damage to the other cat if she senses any threat to her kittens.

The most common form of hostility between cats is inter-male aggression. Of course, in life, you will get the more dominant male on occasion (boys will be boys) and he'll usually fight for the highest cat position in the household. The pecking order of a cat's social structure means that one male should be in charge over all others. When another male cat enters the household, one of the two cats will instinctively claim the - top cat - position. Usually, one of the male cats will back down and the leader will be decided. However, if both male cats are equally assertive, it could present for an alarming situation.

Territorial, aggressive behaviour between cats can be directly associated to inter-male aggression, because both types of aggression are attempting to hold the dominant position. By nature cats are very territorial and don't always take kindly to a new cat being introduced into their home. While some cats may be friendly and docile, others can be highly territorial and may attack the new cat so that the top position can be owned. Although territorial aggression is slightly more common in male cats, especially those that are not neutered, female cats are not exempt from acting in a territorial manner.

The best way to help feline aggression is to figure out which type your cat has. All varieties are behavioural problems, but humans have to understand that they're still natural behaviours. Therefore you cannot punish an aggressive cat. This will not help him or you. You can't erase his natural instincts.

These tips may help you to deal with an aggressive cat.

Firstly deal with the aggression by trying to work around it.

Maternal aggression is not something you can interfere with, there is no way to discipline a mother cat without making her turn on you. Reprimanding her will only make her think that humans can't be trusted around her litter, as well. The main thing you can do is to keep the kitten den away from other cats in the household until the mother cat accepts that her kittens are not in danger, and that she can trust other cats in the home.

Inter-male or territorial aggression is usually not serious, the best way to settle the matter is to let the male cats figure it out between them. They will determine who will be the dominant male in the house, not you. While a cat owner should never excuse fighting, the matter can be easily resolved if the male cats can naturally select who the leader will be. Sadly, if the cat aggression becomes too serious and dangerous, one of the cats may have to be re-homed.

Cats, Fleas and Allergies

Cats should be treated monthly for fleas because if they are not then the problem can get out of hand and cause your feline friends to have more problems than they would like. Treatment is simple and the least you can do to is stop them having a few scabs on their body or some cats have an allergic reaction to fleas and their whole body will become covered.

All of my cats are indoor cats and they should still be treated too. Fleas multiply even more in the heat and it only takes one flea to start off a whole army. A flea can also be brought into a house by yourself as you go to a relative or friends house and they have an animal that happens to have fleas and one will hop on to you and then you transfer it when you get home to your cats. That is why indoor cats should be treated monthly too.

One of my cats had fleas and although we eradicated the problem with flea treatment she had an allergic reaction to them and her whole body came up in scabs and the poor little thing was just scratching all the time. Treatment for this is easy as they just give a small injection at the vets which gets rid of the scab over a week but by making sure you flea your cats every month then this problem should not arise.

It does not take a lot of time or effort to treat them. You can get sprays but I prefer to use the liquid you squeeze onto the back of their necks as the very back of the neck is the one place your cat can not reach to lick etc so the product should work very well. You can get most of the treatments from your local vets or pet store as well which makes it easy to get.

If you have more than one cat make sure you flea treat all of them as well as if you do just the one that you think might have fleas by the time you have done them your other cat might have had one jump on him or her.

Flea treating your cats each month is the least you can do for the love and joy they bring you. It also stops a small problem turning into a big problem as like I said it just takes one flea which will multiply quickly and get on your furniture and then your whole house may need treating.

Keep your cat happy and yourself by treating them every month.

Robyn Lang

Cat Activity Centre

About The Sphynx Cat

Perhaps the world's most bizarre feline, the Sphynx cat has a unique hairless look that sets it apart from other cats. But that's not all. It's a rather rare and unusual breed of cat, and has been described to feel like a warm suede hot water bottle. These cats need special care, but all the extra time and effort you dedicate to taking care of this cat will be well worth it. Their loving, playful and inquisitive nature makes them a wonderful cat to have around and call your own.

Breed History
Although it gets its name from the ancient Great Sphinx of Giza, Sphynx cats are a relatively new breed. There have been a number of occurrences of these hairless cats being born throughout history. But the Sphnyx cat first came to be well-recognized in the year 1966 in Canada when a domestic cat in Toronto gave birth to a hairless kitten. This was considered to be the result of a natural genetic mutation. From there, cats with the mutation were bred to give rise to the Sphynx breed. In 1970 the line became extinct due to the belief that the mutation caused health issues and breathing difficulties in the cats. But this did not spell the end to this breed. Before long, in 1975, a cat in Minnesota, named Jezebel, gave birth to a hairless kitten. The kitten was sold to a local breeder who revived the Sphynx breed by expanding and strengthening the gene pool. After many years of careful breeding, now Sphynx cats are a varied and genetically sound breed, though still rare. In 2002, the Cat Fancier's Association accepted the cat breed for competition in the Championship Class.

Physical Characteristics
The most obvious feature of the Sphynx cat is its lack of hair. Although they are known as the "hairless" cats, they actually have warm peach fuzz fur on their bodies, especially on their nose, toes and tail. They may or may not have whiskers and eyebrows. They have long, lean bodies and a rounded abdomen. They possess characteristically large triangular ears, large paw pads and their tail is long and slender. The skin of a Sphynx cat is wrinkled, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns, including Siamese point patterns. An adult Sphynx cat normally weighs around 8 to 15 pounds, and male cats can be up to 25% bigger than their female counterparts.

Personality & Temperament
Sphynx cats are an inquisitive breed that likes to be the center of attention and love being handled and cuddled. They are intelligent cats that are agile, playful and sweet-tempered. They have a sense of adventure and mischief that make them fun to be around. They love human companionship, and will follow humans around the house. Sphynx cats are not for people who want a quiet, docile cat. They fit in well in homes with children, dogs or other cats. Oh, and these extroverts like to show off with their acrobatic tricks as well. So it's probably a good thing that these cheeky felines are kept indoors for the most part.

Common Medical Problems
Sphynx cats have few health or genetic problems, and have a normal lifespan. They are generally considered to be a very robust breed. But they do still face some problems unique to their physical nature, most of which have to do with their hairlessness. During their 1st few weeks of life, Sphynx kittens are susceptible to respiratory infections. Sphynx cat breeders usually don't allow kittens to move to new homes until they are at least 12 weeks old so they're ready to handle a new environment. These hairless cats are also prone to sunburn and skin cancer, so it's important that their sun exposure is limited. They are also susceptible to the cold, so care needs to be taken to keep this indoor cat nice and warm.

Sphynx cats also have sensitive digestive systems, particularly in that they are small. They can develop severe diarrhea after using medication or being fed diets that contain less than 80% protein. They can also acquire common feline illnesses, and are immunized just as other cat breeds are.

Hereditary myopathy (spasticity) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are two genetic conditions that are found in this breed, with the latter being more common. HCM refers to a thickening of the left ventricle of the heart, and may not cause outward symptoms. Sphynx breeders are trying to eliminate this condition from the breed by scanning yearly and removing positive cats from their breeding program.

Special Care & Maintenance
Because they lack the protection of a fur coat, a hairless Sphynx cat requires special care. It's recommended that you give them a weekly bath to remove the buildup of oil and dust on their skin. Their hair follicles give off oil, but unlike other cats, they have no hair to absorb the oil, and so their skin can easily become greasy. Because they have sensitive skin that burns easily, a very hot bath should be avoided. A sphynx cat's eyes and ears should also be cleaned weekly to remove any eye discharge or earwax. As they lack hair around their ears, it's easy for dirt to enter.

Sphynx cats are vulnerable to the sun and cold, and are meant to be indoor cats. So exposure to the outdoors should be limited. They may be taken outside on occasion if they are heavily supervised and the weather is right for them. Generally, the temperature inside your house should be kept around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider the Sphynx cat to be "naked" - if you would be cold naked, chances are that your cat is going to be too. You may need to clothe them during the winter.

Also, as their bodies are constantly working to keep themselves warm, their metabolism is higher than other cats so they need to be fed more food at meal times. Always place dry food out for your cat and add one or two servings of wet food each day. They need to be fed high quality food with a good balance of fat and protein.

So if you think the intelligent and companionable Sphynx cat is for you, then you can purchase them from Sphynx cat breeders. Expect to pay more for a hairless Sphynx cat than you would for another cat breed. Sphynx cat adoption is also available, and costs less than buying a newborn kitten.

Caring For Cats - Cat Flaps

Every cat owner knows what divergent creatures cats are - they want to be outside then they want to be inside; at 4.00 am they jump on your head and pester you in their own unique way demanding to go out - half an hour later, they're caterwauling outside the window demanding to be let back in. So you stumble bleary-eyed from the haven of your duvet to let your little darling back into the house. Then, unbelievably, a tweeting bird in a tree half a mile away causes such consternation for your feline friend that it's easier just to turn out from under your newly-warmed duvet to deposit the contrary creature back outside onto the patio. At the first sign of moisture in the air, your cat will want to be inside and at the first hint of sunshine it's the outdoor life they crave.

It's little wonder then that the majority of cat owners choose to fit a cat flap - it's a simple solution and allows our feline friends to come and go as they feel they have a right to, without hard-working, oft-scorned domestic servants (yes, that's you) having to jump every time these contrary creatures exercise their feline prerogative and change their minds about where they want to be - again.

Yes, a cat flap is, on the face of it, the perfect solution; but then you come to the crunch question "Which cat flap do I choose that's suitable for my home and cat?"

The Staywell/ Petsafe Manual 4-Way Locking Classic Cat Flap is an excellent product, designed specifically for our feline friends. It has a good degree of security and is effective for keeping out strays and other animals - except of course the ones our little darlings choose to bring home and present to us as presents... It has a clear, tough flap which is fully waterproof. It is easy to install in most doors or if you prefer can even be installed on an outside wall or window. It is suitable for use with cats up to 7kg in weight, has four locking options:

In only/out only

Open/locked

with a manual four-way locking system and is reasonably priced.

When it comes to providing independence for our feline buddies, a cat flap is second-to-none. As it provides instant access to outdoors it inevitably will increase the exercise levels of your cat, thus promoting good health, lowering the risk of obesity and associated illness such as diabetes. The cat flap also gives instant access back to the safety of your cat's "fortress" which is, after all, what he considers your home to be. This instant access provides peace of mind, comfort and security for your cat should he or she feel the need to escape from potential attack or simply to come in out of the rain. If you are at work during the day, a cat flaps removes the inconvenience of your little prince or princess being stuck outside or contrariwise, stuck indoors until you return home.

Reasons Why a Cat May Stop Using Their Litter Tray

There are many reasons why a cat might stop using their litter tray and it might not always be down to behavior problems. Medical reasons can be the reason so looking for signs that may tell what the problem is should be the first thing a cat owner does before worrying or even worse shouting at your pet.

If one of your cats stops using the litter tray to urinate suddenly then it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. One sign to look out for is if your cat is finding it difficult to urinate and even in pain. As a litter tray is a small space they often will go outside the litter tray in a larger space to try and make it easier for themselves to go. Another sign is if they make a noise as if they are in pain when trying to go to the toilet. Other signs to look out for are blood in their urine and constant licking of the urinary opening. So before shouting at your cat for being naughty their could be a medical reason for their change in behaviour so a trip to the vets is the best thing for your cat. Remember cats are not like humans and try and show as little fuss as possible when it comes having a problem.

Other reasons why your cat might stop using their litter tray suddenly is down to cleanliness. Cats are extremely clean creatures and if a litter tray is too full up then they will find a cleaner place to go. I mean even a human does not want to use a dirty toilet even if they are the only ones using it! This is also more of a common problem if there are multiple cats in the house. There should be at least one litter tray to every cat in the house and they should really be cleaned daily and then your cat should have no problem using their toilet properly.

Changing brands of litter may be a cause of the problem as they get use to the feel and scent of a certain type, so trying to buy cheaper litter to suit you might not necessarily suit your cat.

Shouting at your cat will just frighten and confuse them. They are not evil creatures and are not trying to get back at you for having to move him off your lap or feeding him a few minutes late. Looking at what may have triggered the change is the best way to find the route of the problem, which without realising could be because of something you yourself have done.

How to help? If you notice any of the signs mentioned above to do with a urinary tract infection take them straight to the vets so they can be treated. Look at whether anything has changed for example litter or even the location of the litter tray and make sure it is changed regularly enough. The way I think about it is if I look at the litter trays I have for my cats and I think to myself "I would not go to the toilet in that" then they need changing.

Whilst getting your cat back in his box remember to be patient. It may take time. Cats like to go in a quiet, confined location so if you have a litter tray that is open for everyone to see him go maybe consider getting a hooded litter tray which not only gives your cat the privacy they need and deserve but is also great for eliminating odors more.

Robyn Lang

Cat Activity Centre

Cat Barrier

What can you do to make living with your cat a pleasant experience for you and your feline friend? Cats are wonderful pets, and they are great companions. However, indoor cats will exhibit natural behaviors that can be frustrating and hard to control. Many cat owners enjoy the company of their furry little friends because they have solved behavior problems by using a cat barrier.

Can People and Cats Live Happily Together?

Having a cat as a house pet can be a rewarding and happy experience. They make excellent companions, especially for the elderly and people who live alone. Kittens are playful and amusing to watch. They can be very affectionate, and the sound of a purring cat can be very relaxing. Also, it is possible for two cats to live in one house harmoniously. In the some cases, having two cats can be better for everyone than having only one, especially if they are from the same litter and are adopted into your family at the same time.

Natural Instincts that Become Problems

Since cats are hunters of live prey, they will try to slip through the doggie door if the opportunity presents itself, but the outdoors can be dangerous for a cat that has been raised indoors. A cat will jump, climb and explore its surroundings, that being your home. The number one reason most owners consider getting rid of a cat is house soiling. A cat barrier is an easy way to solve many kitty problems. This is a safe and effective way to discourage unwanted behavior.

How to Use an Indoor Wireless Cat Barrier

This device is very easy to use - simply put the wireless disc shaped transmitter where you need it. The cat wears a nylon collar with an elastic strip that is safe. You set the range between 2 to 10 feet, and the signal goes in all directions. Set it to beep only or adjust the correction level for your cat's training needs. If you have more than one cat each cat wears its own light weight collar. When your pet enters the restricted area, a beep sounds, if he continues a safe static correction is given. Most cats learn very quickly.

Where to Put Barriers

They can be placed anywhere you need to control, and make off limits. If your cat is notorious for slipping out the doggie door the disc can be put in that area to keep him inside. No one likes cat hairs in their food or paw prints on their counter-tops - however, some cats cannot resist the urge to jump on the counter and explore. Place the barrier in the kitchen to solve this problem. Does your cat have a favorite carpet that he has chosen to use like a litter box? Put the barrier near the doorway of the room to correct this problem. When deciding where to put the barrier always make sure the litter-box is not in the range of the signal.

For years, cat owners have struggled to train their cats, and discourage unwanted behavior. Finally, there is an effective and safe way to teach your feline friend what areas in the home are restricted. Wireless barriers for cats make it easy for people and felines to live together in harmony.

How Cats Communicate With Each Other: Integrating a New Kitten

Having adopted a new kitten recently, I'm fascinated how adult cats communicate with each other and with a new kitten addition to the family. We humans think it's all about body language and vocalizations, but there are also telepathic messages being transmitted. Those telepathic messages can be as important as the other forms of communication between felines, and also between you and each of your cats.

For one thing, my two adult cats, "Violet" (Blue Point Siamese) and "Sakhara" (cameo striped British Short Hair) had a meeting after we three had telepathically discussed the idea of a new kitten. Their private conversation took place before the kitten arrived. I found them in my bedroom, one on the floor and the other on the bed. Both were sitting on their haunches and "Star"ing at each other as only cats can "Star"e.

"Family conference?" I inquired.

"You're not invited," they replied in telepathic chorus.

"Why not?"

"Well, you're not a cat and you don't know how to be a cat. This is a 'felines only' meeting."

A bit later I learned that the topic of conversation had been how to raise the new Siamese kitten named "Star". "Star" was an infant and still with her mother at the time. The two adult cats were discussing kitten raising philosophy and practical concerns about bringing up a new baby. I was delighted that they were taking my request seriously. I had asked them to help raise the new kitten, so when they excluded me from the deliberations, I chose to honor their decision. At least they were engaged with the project.

Some weeks later, only 2 days after "Star" arrived at our home, I realized that kitten-raising duties had been parceled out between the two adult cats. "Violet" was in charge of the initial interactions. Twice each day during two of my 4 visits with "Star", "Violet" follow me to the door of "Star's" private room and observe from the other side of the door as I took care of the 9-week old kitten. These were, in part, telepathic observations, as the door was shut and is made of wood with no windows.

Within just a few days, "Violet" requested that I let "Star" come out of the room to interact with "Violet" in the upstairs hall that leads between two bedrooms. "Star" had one room. The other room is my bedroom, although "Violet" thinks of it as her pwn.

Watching "Star" and "Violet" interact was fascinating. "Star" wanted to play. "Violet" wanted to teach manners and boundaries. Each had a separate agenda and the two agendas didn't exactly align.

"Star" would try to get "Violet" to play by jumping on "Violet" and pawing at her. "Star", with her back hunched up and tail held high, would bounce this way and that, try to jump on "Violet", and then run like a thoroughbred race horse past "Violet". Then she would reverse directions and do it all again

"Violet" would try to get "Star" to acknowledge adult dominance by screaming and cuffing her as her paws approached.

Cuffing is when an adult cat uses paws with claws retracted to discipline a kitten. The kitten is supposed to crouch down and even roll over to expose her vulnerable belly as a sign of submission. Cuffing is not harmful or dangerous. It is just a dominance issue being communicated along with a telepathic message, "I'm the boss." Or "Don't jump on me." Or "Show some respect." Or other concepts to that effect.

"Star" would ignore "Violet's" disciplinary behaviors. "Violet" wasn't having much impact with the cuffing because "Star" was just too fast. "Violet" literally couldn't connect her paw to "Star's" body. Meanwhile, "Star" kept encouraging "Violet" to chase and wrestle. "Violet's" vocalizations were growl-yowls, none of which made any impression on "Star".

Up and back they went in the hall and into "Violet's" territory - my bedroom. "Violet", who is always very polite and very much a lady, was careful not to enter "Star's" room at all. This allowed "Star" to have a "safe" place to retreat, should she desire to do so. My body, sitting on the floor observing, also made a safety zone for "Star", if she felt she needed one.

"Star" kept ignoring all the rules of kitten-to-adult interaction. So "Violet" often ended the session feeling frustrated and exhausted, but also exhilarated. She was having fun playing, but didn't want to admit it to "Star". However, I personally don't think "Star" missed out on "Violet's" excitement or that "Violet" was actually having a good time.

We humans have to remember that felines, especially Siamese, often make sounds in the same frequency range as the cries of human infants. We tend to think something is "wrong" when we hear the sounds cats make, while in fact, everything is just fine! So I kept myself tuned into the telepathic messages and visual observations, and controlled any tendency to overreact to "Violet's" vocalizations.

A great deal of chasing took place, which pleased "Star" no end. "Star" had an almost permanent grin on her face and radiated love and joy the entire time. She kept telling me after each session, "I just LOVE "Violet"." "Violet" didn't seem interested in being loved. She wanted to be a good teacher and, to her dismay, "Star" proved to be a very challenging student.

"Star" was making sounds, too. But they were shorter in length and expressed excitement, wonder, joy, enthusiasm, and exuberance. "Star" made a wider variety of sounds than I had ever heard from any other cat. Siamese are famous for this, but as "Violet" is a rather quiet Siamese, the range of sounds coming from "Star" had amazed me since the day she had arrived.

When it seemed that "Violet" had had enough for one day, or when I was out of time to supervise them, I would end the session by putting "Star" into her room with plenty of food, water, toys, and reassurance that I'd be back a bit later.

One day, having just completed a session, I headed downstairs while listening "Star" protesting loudly on her side of the door. I arrived in the kitchen in time to hear "Violet," who had remained at the top of the stairs, scream a very loud, long vocalization. In my head, I heard the telepathic message, "WILL YOU SHUT UP?" This was followed by complete auditory silence from both cats. All that could be heard were the sounds of "Violet" descending to the living room.

When "Sakhara" began her lessons with "Star", her style of training was quite different. As "Star" tried to play with her, "Sakhara" would growl fiercely and hold her ground. "Star" couldn't chase, and the growl sounded ferocious. "Sakhara" would telepathically say, "Show respect. I'm dominant here." "Star", for her part, kept refusing to acknowledge this message in any way. With her back arched, her tail held high, and bouncing enticingly around, "Star" kept sending telepathically,:"Awe, come on. Let's play, OK?"

"Sakhara" had birthed one litter of kittens before I adopted her from the Humane Society. She had also been a foster mother to many babies, and had actually helped raise "Violet" from a kitten when she first came to live with me. "Sakhara" has strong ideas about raising kittens and a great deal of experience.

Over a few weeks, "Sakhara"'s persistence won the day. "Star" began to roll over and show her belly to "Sakhara", while continuing to paw at "Sakhara's" face, indicating a desire to play. "Sakhara" would cuff "Star", and "Star" would still pat her on the face. "Star" was indomitable and persistent, while also ecstatic because she saw this as a form of play. Meanwhile, "Sakhara" would say to her, "That's right. Show respect to me, and then I will play with you."

Today, all 3 cats live together, play together, sleep together, and groom each other. There's no fighting and no one was injured during the entire integration process.

By recognizing that cats communicate using telepathic messages, as well as with body language, scent, and sound or vocalizations, I was able to ensure success.

Here are some tips that will help you integrate a new cat into your feline family.

Use telepathic communication throughout to make sure everyone not only understands what's going on, but also has their perspective and feelings heard and understood.

When you get the older cats to buy into the arrival of a new cat BEFORE that cat arrives, you've begun the processes in the most positive way possible.

Whenever possible, introduce the current family members telepathically with the newcomer before the new cat arrives.

Make sure the current family members' needs and feelings continue to be considered and met. Give them lots of love and attention.

Involve the existing family members in making decisions about the integration process.

Make sure everyone knows the "house rules" for acceptable behavior.

Be aware that screaming, growling, hissing, and cuffing are normal forms of feline interaction. Don't try to stop it, or you'll confuse the cats. That can lead to actual violence, which is to be avoided at all costs.

Let everyone know that you expect a happy, integrated family by holding a strong mental image of all cats in a big pile, curled up together, and grooming each other. Remember that one powerful picture is worth 1,000 words. It may be months before you see this happening, but if you keep that image strongly in mind, you are communicating it to your cats.

Accept that in most circumstances, it can take up to 6 months to fully integrate a new feline family member.

Stay positive. Consult with your existing feline family frequently.

Then get out the camera, stay calm, and have fun!!