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Cat Training

Are cats really trainable? Are they worth it?

Cats are known to be very independent and have their own world. But can a cat learn tricks from a human trainer?

People who own cats think that their pet is just too arrogant or moody that they don’t even listen whenever their owner talks to them. Cat owners feel that cats cannot be trained. However, this is merely not true. Almost all kinds of animals can be trained as long as they know and understand what you want them to do. So if you think it is impossible to train a cat, maybe you are just not doing it right.

A cat is definitely trainable but you should have and the time and patience in the world. A dog is easier to train than that of the cat.

Training your cat takes time and patience. It takes more of that then it does with a dog. A sure fire way to get results is to use positive reinforcement. Whatever you do, don’t scold your cat because she is likely to just misbehave when you aren’t looking. Instead, praise good behavior.

Cats can learn even at a very young age. The best age to train a cat is eight to ten weeks old.

How do you start? The simplest trick you can teach your cat is when you call him by her name and she comes. Bribe you cat with her favorite toy and then call her name. Just be sure that she is in good mood when you are doing the training. Also make sure that there are no moving things and loud noise around so that she will not get distracted. If she gets distracted, it will slow her down and can make confusion. Use only one short command so that it will be easy for her to remember. The command “here kitty” or “come kitty” always works.

Get down on the floor and try giving the command. Be sure that your voice is in good tone and a happy one. If she approaches you, give her a reward like a treat or something. Also appreciate her by feeling her body and letting her know that she did the right thing. The goal of the exercise is to let her memorize your tone and the command. Try doing this during the whole day and for several weeks. Once you notice that she already know the command, you can go try something else.

Leash and Harness use

Try putting the harness on your cat. If it is already in place and she does not panic, try praising her for doing the right thing. Provide treats if needed. Once the harness does not bother her anymore, put on the leash and let her walk throughout the area. Give her treats and praises for following you.

Crate use

Cats love to stay in warm and dark places. A crate would be a good place to keep her. However, she may try to go out once you place him inside the crate. First, put a blanket inside the crate so she will feel comfortable once inside. Next thing, put her favorite toy inside the crate so she would be happy staying inside. Give her treats once she stays inside. If she tries to go out, do not praise him and try to put her back in. But during the first tries, let her stay for 3 to 5 minutes only then take her out. Do not forget to give her rewards once she behaves inside. After sometime, put her back again but this time, make her stay a little longer, maybe 5 to 10 minutes. Time will pass that she will get used to staying inside the crate.

How much cat litter do you put in the box?

You can easily fill the litter box with too much litter when you actually probably think that it is a good idea. Its actually counterproductive and it doesn't matter if you buy the best cat litter in the world if you put too much in it can create multiple problems for your cat.

Not Enough Cat Litter

If you do not use enough litter in the box it will start to have odor problems as the urine and feces will settle to the bottom and sit there as there will be nowhere for it to absorb into. This certainly sounds like and awful mess and your cat surely will not like it. Your cat will not want to go in the litter box and it may or will start going elsewhere to do its business.

Too Much Litter in the Box

Filling the litter box too full is not only wasteful but it will be found all over your house especially if you have a box that is not very tall as your cat may like to kick it out of the box. Cats have a natural instinct to cover up their mess and they do so by digging to bury it. You also will still have the clean the litter box just as much as if you have the right amount in the box.

So how much litter do I use ?

you will want to fill the litter box with an even layer of cat litter of your choice that is about 3 to 4 inches deep. Your cat will be comfortable with this amount as it will give them ample litter to dig and cover their mess and they will leave the box happy. If you have multiple cats you will need to get more than one litter box.

You will want to keep the litter box fresh so as you clean it daily you will want to top off the litter weekly to keep it maintained at the level suitable for you furry friend.

Clean the Litter Box Often

You will want to clean your litter box at least daily if not twice a day to keep it fresh and inviting for you cat. You will want to completely throw out the litter at least once a month to give it a good scrubbing. If you can smell the litter box then it is way overdue for a cleaning.

Sparta and Pebbles , siblings digging the disco ball! These cats are super fun!

What kind of cat should I get? Male or Female?

So you are at the point where you have made up your mind that you want a cat but you are undecided about whether or not you should get a male or female cat. You may have it already set in your mind which one you would prefer however there are some things to think about before choosing your cat. You may also be lucky enough that your cat chooses you and you don't have to choose which one.

Female vs Male Cat

As far as personality goes there isn't a huge difference between the sexes on how they act if they are neutered. However if a male cat is unneutered he will fight for territory if he is outdoors and if he is indoors he will spray his scent and make his mark on walls and curtains. Females that have not been neutered can also spray but not as common as males. Female cats that have not been neutered will drive you insane when they go into season as they will be constantly making loud yowling sounds and making bizzare body gyrations around the house which can be very disrupting and unpleasant.

So on the other hand , once the male or female cats have been spayed they will be much more loving and loyal. It doesn't make a huge difference when choosing a cat if you get a male or female unless you plan on not spaying them.

Newest additions to our family. This was my daughters big Christmas present. She has been wanting a pet for a very long time . I was only going to get one kitty but everyone that I talked to recommended getting two because they can play with eachother and wont get lonely when we are away. It is working out wonderfully. They are sisters.. Sparta and Pebbles...

So cute! Part coon cats.. :)

Cat Communication: Why a Cat May Meow to Excess

Meowing: A Cat to Human Type of Communication

Cats express themselves to humans by meowing. So, if you have a cat that is meowing excessively, you’ll need to determine the cause for the discourse.

Meowing May be a Sign of Sickness

One of the common reasons a cat may meow to distraction is that he may be sick. So, if your usually placid cat suddenly begins a chorus of meows, you’ll need to see if she is suffering from an illness or injury. Check over your feline thoroughly and see if you can find any sores or abrasions. Also, check her eyes or ears for discharge as well. Observe her behavior and see if she is tending to walk on one paw versus another. Naturally, once you resolve the health issue, the meowing will stop as well.

Does Your Cat Want You to Do Something for Her?

Cats also loudly make their presence known with a reverberating meow if they want you to do something for them. That could mean emptying your cat’s litter box, giving her food, or letting her in or out the door. Obviously, taking care of her needs in this regard will quiet her vocals too.

Cats Meow When They Perceive a Threat

Cats may also signal their owners by meowing when something isn’t right. In fact, some cats turn into a feline watch dog at times. If the cat notes a threat, such as another cat, dog, or similar intruder, he may not only meow but may also take to snarling and hissing. Unfortunately, this kind of vocalization may last a while if the trespasser does not immediately leave the area.

Cats Also Meow When They Want Attention

You may hear your cat meowing as well if she wants your attention, particularly if she wants to snuggle in your lap or get petted. Of course, that need is usually based on your cat’s schedule rather than your own. So, if you are not exactly relaxing or sitting down, you’ll have to listen to your cat’s chorus until you provide her with some companionship.

Siamese Cats Meow More than Other Cats

Cat owners who own certain breeds are subjected to listening to more meows as well. The most outspoken cat in this regard is the Siamese.

Dealing with a new cat in the household

Getting a new pet can be a very exciting time for many people, and chances are that when you get your new pet in the door, the first thing that you will want to do is play with it and spend as much time with it as you possibly can.

When you buy a new cat it’s not as simple as just bringing it home and letting it loose in your house, there’s certain precautions that you have to take and preparations that you have to make to ensure that your house is ready for a cat, and it’s crucial that you do this before the cat arrives, to ensure that everything goes smoothly once you have the new member of the family.

Dealing with a new pet can be difficult because you have no idea how they are going to react in given situations and each cat is completely different. Some cats are timid, some are very aggressive and one your first meeting it’s hard to work out exactly what your cat is going to be like. Over time, you will start to learn more about your cat and this will become easier.

In the meantime however, it’s really important that you cat-proof your home to make sure that your cat is in a safe environment and that your home and precious furniture remain in one piece, here are some quick and easy tips to follow to ensure that your home and your furniture are safe:

Cords and wires – make sure that your electrical cords and wires are tied away and well out of reach of your cat. Cats tend to eat anything that they see and although a wire can look like a yummy delicacy, it can in turn lead to electrocution and serious injuries to your cat. Make sure they are tied away before your cat comes home

Toilets – make sure that where possible you leave the toilet lid down. When the lid is up cats can potentially climb into the bowl and drown

Blinds and strings – make sure any curtain strings or blind wires are well out of the reach of your cat. If a cat pulls on these it can potentially be strangled. It’s also worth noting the importance of keeping windows closed so that your cat does not accidentally fall out

Secure your food – cats are hungry creatures and if they see or smell something that looks remotely edible chances are they will have a crack at it. If you leave food out from the night before, or if you just happen to keep food on the bench, make sure that you put it away.

Plants – if you don’t want your plants eaten or parts pulled off them, then I suggest you keep plants firmly out of the sight and reach of your cat. Cats are incredibly agile and can reach great heights, so it’s important that you stow your plants safely away from any potential grasp that your cat has.

How to Turn an Outdoor into an Indoor Cat

Indoor Cats Live Longer and Lead More Comfortable Lives

To ensure that your cat leads a long and healthy life, it’s important to keep him inside. Indoor cats can live up to twenty years compared to outdoor adventurers, whose life expectancy is greatly reduced. Outdoor cats can succumb to all sorts of outside threats (dogs, moving cars, and wild animals). So, keeping your pet safely inside is imperative.

Kittens Can Adjust to Living Indoors Quite Easily

Keeping a cat confined to your home will not be too much of a problem if you raise the cat from kittenhood. After all, kittens have not yet become familiarized with the Great Outdoors. So, they really have no reason to look beyond the confines of their living area. However, if you take in an older cat that is used to being outside, you’ll have to practice some patience and perseverance to get him to stay inside.

Provide Your Cat with Indoor Exercise – Furnish Him with a Cat Tree

Give a cat you want to convert a chance to become acclimated to his inside environment. Allow him to explore his new living space. To ensure that he gets enough exercise and can quickly adjust to his surroundings, provide him with a cat tree with all the amenities. Make sure that the furnishing is sturdy and is the proper size. A small cat tree that is 27 to 43 inches in height should suffice for a smaller cat while a medium-sized cat tree, or one that is 47” to 52” in height, is recommended for a larger cat.

The Ideal Cat Tree

Cat trees should come with towers and shelves as well as tunnels where your cat can hide. Make sure that the accessory gives your cat plenty of opportunity to do all the things cats like to do, such as climb, stretch, jump, scratch, or take a nap. The ideal cat tree then should offer such features as:

Solid wood construction;

A condo or bungalow where your cat can hide or relax;

Several perches;

A covering of faux fur for comfort;

A scratching post made with sisal rope;

A variety of levels; and

Easy assembly.

Don’t Let Your Cat Out of the House Even if He Yowls

A former outdoor cat can quickly get used to the idea of living indoors if he has a cat tree at his disposal. To make the idea even more palatable, you might even position the tree next to a window. In making the conversion, never permit your cat to go outside even if he gives you pleading looks and cries. Distract him instead by leaving low-calories treats on the perches of his cat tree or lure him away from any entryway with a favorite cat toy.

It Takes About Four Months to Make the Transition

Redirecting an outdoor cat to living inside may take some time (typically about four months). However, with some patience and perseverance it ultimately can be done.

Bringing a Stray Cat Home When You Already Have Cats

It’s hard to resist a stray cat or kitten you find on the street or on your property, especially if they’re very small and cute or very socialized and you suspect they were put out by a previous owner. It’s difficult – perhaps impossible – to leave them to their fate, and sometimes we all have the urge to spare them the trip to the shelter and the possible consequences of that trip, but if you already have cats at home, you have to plan ahead before bringing that adorable or pathetic new critter home. Don’t let your altruistic instincts make you forget your existing responsibility to your existing pets; you have to safeguard their health and safety as well.

Take the Stray to the Vet First. Even if they appear perfectly healthy and friendly, and even if they are wearing a collar, take your newfound friend to your veterinarian first. Stray cats, even if they’ve only been out in the wild for a short time, may have diseases or may be behind on their vaccinations – or never had them in the first place. They may have worms or other non-obvious conditions, almost certainly have fleas, and will more than likely bring some level of misery to your existing pets if you bring them straight home. If your stray is older, make sure they have been neutered or spayed.

Consider the Cats You Have. All pet owners know that their pets have their own personalities and tics. Think about your cat or cats and how they will likely react to an intruder in the home – for that is almost certainly how they will regard your new adoptee at first. Even the gentlest of neutered cats can react violently when faced with an unfamiliar animal. Make a plan for how you will handle the herd when you bring their new sister or brother into the house.

Have a Separation Plan. Your cats will have to live separate lives for a while before they can mingle. Have a plan in place for your new adoptee to have a room of their own, complete with food, water, and litter box. If you let the cats mingle right away there will be all out war and injuries. Once the mood of your other cats mellows a bit, you can begin a program of swapping bedding for a few days to let the cats get used to each other’s smell, then some supervised play time through a slightly open door (preventing cats from getting in or out of the room) and then, when you feel the situation is under control, supervised play time in the same space. Another tactic that works is swapping who is in the room and who has the run of the house for a night.

Keep Up Traditions. When your new cat is roaming freely, don’t forget your older cats. Keep up the schedule and traditions you had with them, whether it’s special games or special treats. Form new ones for your new addition instead of usurping existing interactions. Your older cats must be reassured that they have not lost their place.

Use Discipline. When the cats are co-existing, be careful to break up fights and to punish aggressive behaviour with water bottles or other non-physical discipline. Remember that aggressive behaviour sometimes manifests weeks or months after a seemingly successful integration, so be on alert for any new behaviours on display.

It’s a good thing to be willing to take in an animal in need. Don’t turn it into a mistake by rushing into it or failing to take the proper precautions!

About the author: Jackie McLellan and her family are based in Scotland and are animal mad, living with dogs, cats, rabbits and sheep. Jackie breeds beautiful Australian Labradoodle puppies and regularly has puppies for sale.

How to Get Your Cat to Exercise

Developing a Workout Plan for Your Cat to Keep Him Lean and Healthy

While it may not be possible for you to train your kitty to exercise on a treadmill, you can regularly involve him in some playtime activities. By keeping your cat’s weight in check, you’ll also increase his lifespan and overall enjoyment of life. The following tips then can help you develop a workout plan for your cat.

Check with Your Veterinarian before You Develop a Playtime Routine

Naturally, before you begin exercising your cat, check with your veterinarian first. Make sure your feline companion is in good health before introducing him to any additional activity.

Encourage Your Cat to Move and Stay Active

Keep your cat slim and streamlined by getting your feline moving. One way to offer encouragement is by setting out paper items that will pique his interest. Inspire movement by placing out paper bags or tissue paper to get him involved in play. Give him fresh catnip too and make sure he has plenty in the way of toys that he can regularly chase.

Cat Trees Increase Activity Levels Too

Cat trees are great furnishings to use to encourage climbing and play and come with scratching posts to further motivate movement.

Get a Another Cat

In addition, if you only own one cat, you may think about getting him a companion. Cats are more likely to move around and play when another cat is introduced into the household. Get an extra large cat tree so both cats can spend many happy hours at play.

Train Your Cat Some Tricks

You might also think about training your cat some tricks. For example, teach her to scale her cat tree by offering some low-calorie goodies. Or, use the same approach by teaching her to run to you whenever she’s called.

Clues that Tell You Your Cat Adores You

Cats are as Affectionate as Dogs – They’re Just More Subtle

Cats are not as forthcoming with their signals of affection as dogs. So, if you’re a new cat owner or have never owned a cat, you may be wondering what clues convey owner likability. Cats show they like you in one of a number of ways.

Your Cat Will Rub Against You as a Way of Bonding

For example, when your cat leans or rubs against you, she secretes certain oils that leave her scent. When she rubs these oils on you then, it’s her way to saying that she wants to bond with you. If she manages to butt her head against yours, then you know for sure that your cat thinks the world of you.

She Sits Next to You

Cats also denote how much they like their owners by sitting next to them. Cats like comfort, so if she has settled in next to you in a less-than-comfortable spot, that’s truly a sign of devotion.

She Values Your Friendship Too if She Habitually Snoozes on Your Lap

While you may think your cat is snuggling on your lap in order to stay warm, she is also letting you know that she values you as a parent and companion too.

Cats Share Eye Contact with People They Like

Cats also make their adorations known by staring at you or sharing blinks. If you blink and she blinks back, then that’s a true sign of feline affection.

When Your Cat is Content, She’ll Purr as Well

Purring too signals amiability. While the sound is made when a cat, for instance, is injured as well, it’s usually reserved for those people a cat especially likes.

Cats Have their Own Unique Ways of Saying – I Like You

Needless to say, cats have their own unique ways of expressing themselves. So, if your feline friend exhibits any of the foregoing behaviors, you can be assured that you’ll have an adoring companion for the rest of your cat’s natural life.

#cat behavior

Cats' Hygiene Habits

Cats' toilet should be placed on the most secured and sheltered corner in the house. Most people think that the laundry room is ideal for placing their cat's litter box, but in fact it's not. The cat could be scared or stressed by the sound of washing machine and could start going to the toilet somewhere else in the house. Cats' litter usualy is a plastic, enamel or ceramic dish / box filled with mixture of sand, small rocks and some other materials, known for their odors absorbing fetures, where cats bury their feces. We recommend you not to use a wooden box as urine seeps in it and odor will stay forever in your home. Pet shops sell different types of cat litter compounds. Sands like are not quite practical because of its hygienic features - sand gets wet quickly and then stucks into cat's paws and this way the dirt will be spreaded all over the house.

How do you understand if your cat likes his/her litter box? If you answer positively to the next few questions, it means that it's time to change the mat or the mixture in the toilet, because otherwise there is possibility that your cat would change its toilet place: 1. Does your cat enter only with two feet in the toilet or he/she steps only to the edges of the box with front two feet while using the toilet? 2. Does your cat shakes his/her legs while going out form the litter box? 3. Does your feline friend start scratching and digging around the toilet? 4. Does your cat stop using the litter box and start leaving his/her faeces outside the toilet?

If the smell of urine, mostly from male cats, is too unbearable and unpleasant for you and your family members, you can add in cat's toilet a few drops of liquid deodorant which could be found it pet shops, specifically anti-odor purposed. Also you can put a cup of turpentine in a bucket or bowl and pour it with hot water. Another option for getting rid of nasty smell is to buy special toilet mixtures, neutralizing the smell or covered cat litter box because of its charcoal filter supposed to deal with the “smelly problem”.

Cat's litter mixture should be changed regularly because the cat is very clean and neat animal and sometimes the cat could even refuse to enter the toilet box if it's not clean enough and then he/she could go somewhere else to defecate or urinate. Cat's litter box, itsself, must be disinfected regularly too. But beaware of using only disinfecting agent that is not too strong, because strong odor could repel the cat.

Kittens starts defecating four weeks since being born. They need your help to get used to this hygiene habit because they do not learn it from their mother. The easiest way for cats to get used to the right toilet place is to simulate the real situation for them: simply put the cat into the litter box, grab his/her paws and start digging at the mixture, then put the cat squatting so that the posture resembles defecating. This excersise should be repeated 2-3 times and in most cases cats understand its meaning and learn where is the proper place of the toilet.

If the above setting does not work you should not apply any severe precautions like spraying cats with water or rubbing the nose in their own faeces. Usually this does not lead to any positive results, because the cat probably would not understand why are you brabbling at him/her.

Another way to teach your cutest family member how to behave properly and to get used to the litter box is to put him/her there after every meal or when you are sure that the time for cat's defecating or urinating has come. If your cat has had a previous owner, you have to use the same or similar litter box in order to continue with already acquired good habits, but if you need to change the toilet place - do it gradually.

Cats' litter and suitable toilet places are quite vast topic to be explained in few pages but I really hope that my advices will help some cat owners who are new to taking care of such cute and pretentious pets.

#cats #cat hygiene #cat habits #keeping cats clean #clean cats #cat litter #cat litter box

Keep Cats and their Areas Clean – Some Tips on Reducing Cat Odor and Grooming

Clean Your Cat’s Litter Box Daily

Cats are persnickety about cleanliness. Bad odors are not only distasteful to you then, they are also unpleasant to your cat. Therefore, keeping the litter box clean and maintaining good hygiene are primary concerns. When litter boxes are not regularly cleaned, they can transmit a cat odor that can disrupt, if not overpower, the peacefulness of your home environment.

Many Litter Boxes Make Cleaning an Easy Process

Happily, litter boxes are featured today that help reduce odors. Some of the litter box styles are made so waste is contained while others have automatic or sensor-operated mechanisms that reduce the clumping of litter and therefore the resulting smell. You can even purchase crystals that capture and annihilate any malodorous scents from the air.

Schedule Regular Baths

Besides using a litter box that makes cleaning up after kitty less of a task, you should also get into the habit of scheduling regular baths. While cats take pains to keep fastidiously clean, you still should make it a practice to assist your feline in this regard. Bathing your pet will reduce smells and dander as well as give your kitty’s coat an extra amount of sheen. If your cat doesn’t like water, then using a waterless shampoo or commercial bath wipes is a good substitute.

Brush Your Cat to Reduce the Hair from Shedding

Also, make sure to purchase a good-quality brush for your cat – one which is suitable to his type of fur or hair. A daily brushing will decrease the amount of loose hairs that drift onto your furnishings. Brush your cat more often during the summer months as he tends to shed more frequently during this time of year.

Vacuum Your Home Daily

Follow up, after brushing your cat, by giving your home a thorough vacuuming. If you don’t already own one, buy a hand-held vacuum to make it easy for you to catch any stray hairs. You also want to get into the habit of vacuuming your furniture and rugs regularly to reduce and eliminate odors, dander, and hair.

#cats #clean cats #keeping cats clean #cleaning cats #cat health #grooming cats #how to groom a cat #washing cats

Health Tips to Ensure the Longevity of Your Cat

Cats Can Live a Long Time When they Receive the Proper Care

Cats, when they are domesticated, generally live a pretty long time (around 13 years). By practicing the following tips, you can balance the scales in your cat’s favor so he’s able to enjoy a long and healthy life.

Neuter or Spay Your Cat When He or She is Four Months of Age

Neuter or spay your feline friend to increase immune system functioning and improve his or her behavior. Doing so not only aids in controlling the pet population, it also assists in improving your cat’s mood and overall health. For example, neutered males are less lightly to fight while spayed females possess less risk of contracting mammary cancer. Young cats should be fixed when they are four months old.

Keep Your Cat Indoors

In addition to fixing your cat, you’ll want to keep him from roaming in the neighborhood too. Cats that live longer are usually indoor cats. In fact, if you keep your kitty inside, he can live as long as 20 years or more. Unfortunately, feral or outdoor cats live, on average, around 3 or 4 years as they are subjected to such risks as disease, predatory dogs, or cars.

Have Your Cat Vaccinated

Healthy cats should also be inoculated as well. As long as you vaccinate your cat, he will be protected from diseases that are easily preventable. Plus, the shots are affordable (only around $10 or $15). So, there really is no reason not to provide the protection.

Practice Portion Control

While some people own fat cats that can live for some time, felines still fare better if they are not overfed. As obesity can lead to a number of degenerative illnesses, it’s better to practice portion control when feeding your cat.

Keep Your Cat on the Move

Finally, keep you kitty active and interested. Make sure that you supply him with a cat tree as well as a variety of cat toys to keep him entertained and exercised.

#cats #cat health #how long do cats live #health and cats

Female Cat Health: When Should You Spay your Cat and How to Take Care of Her if She Gets Pregnant

Spay your Cat Before She Turns Five Months of Age

Typically, you should take heed to spay your female feline at around 4 months old as she’ll typically go into her first heat when she is about 5 months old. When she does go into heat, the period generally lasts from five to seven days. You’ll definitely know she is in heat as she’ll frenetically roll around on the floor, take to yowling, and arch her tail. If she does elude your capture and escapes out of the front door, you, yourself, better be fast on your feet because it won’t take her any longer than four or five minutes to locate a mate.

Locating a Place for Your Cat to Give Birth

If you do find that your loveable fur ball does become pregnant, she’ll remain that way for just over two months. Just make sure during this time that you keep her comfortable and away from any kind of stress. During the final week of her pregnancy, she’ll need to eat extra food. In addition, she’ll need to locate a place to have her kittens. Generally, you can direct her in the direction of, say, an unused back room or an area in a closet. Just be on guard if this is her first pregnancy as you may find her settling in your bed for the event.

Expect the Whole Birth Process to Last about an Hour

Typically, the birth process goes pretty well and only lasts about an hour. If you notice your cat is having any difficulties or complications, make sure to contact your veterinarian immediately. If this is her first litter, then it’s imperative you get your cat fixed after the kittens are weaned.

#cats and pregnancy #pregnant cat #cat health

We won this cat tree in a blog giveaway - our cats absolutely LOVE it. In fact, I may have to purchase a second one to keep peace in the family, since two of my three cats are fighting over the top level........

#cat tree #cat trees #majestic pet cat trees #trees for cats

Do you own a fat cat?

More than Half of Cat Owners Own Cats Who are Fat

Is your cat considered a fat cat? In all likelihood, it may be. A study conducted in 2011 by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) determined that over half of cat owners owned overweight cats. Because obesity can lead to health problems, such as diabetes, arthritis, and premature aging, it’s important to put your cat on a diet if he is considered obese or overweight.

The Breed of the Cat is One of the Factors Considered in Determining Obesity

To determine if your cat is a healthy size, you’ll also need to consider the weight requirements for his particular breed. For example, while some cats can be considered overweight at, say, only 8 pounds, other cats may be considered to be a healthy size at 15 pounds.

Check Your Cat’s Ribcage

So, before you place your cat on the scale, check his ribs. While they should be easily felt, they should not be visibly seen or sticking out. If your cat’s weight is in the right range, you should be able to count his ribs without difficulty. Only a light layer of fat should cover the ribcage.

A Thin and Healthy Cat Should Exhibit an Hourglass Shape

Also, your feline should show an hourglass shape. Therefore, when you look upon him, you should see an indent in the area between the ribs and hips.

Downscaling the Portions You Feed Your Cat

If you conclude that your pet is indeed overweight, then you’ll have to use portion control when you feed him. Pet owners, who own overweight cats, are generally used to giving their cat more than what he needs, so it takes a little adjustment to downscale each portion size.

What is the Proper Portion Size?

Typically, you should be feeding your cat an amount that is about 1/25 of what a human would eat. So, if your cat, say, weighs around eight pounds, you shouldn’t give him any more than an ounce of food during each meal. In other words, you shouldn’t give him any amount larger than the weight of a small mouse. Measure out his portion size then in terms of ounces rather cups.

How Often Should You Feed Your Cat?

Feed your cat once or twice a day, trying to maintain the same feeding regimen. Generally, feeding him once a day will usually suffice as long as your cat is in good health and does not suffer from any diseases that would indicate a different kind of feeding schedule.

#cat #kitten #feeding cat #cat weight #fat cat #cat food #dry cat food #wet cat food #cat eating habits #how often do you feed your cat

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