Grooming - Quality Quiet Time with Your Cat

Cats shed some at all times of the year but each season as the days get longer with added hours of daylight, your cat will shed more of his coat. Daily brushing and combing during this time of the year are especially important for two main reasons:
• To help your cat eliminate loose hair so he will swallow less and help prevent hair ball problems.
• To leave less hair around the house.

Even the busiest of cat owners can take a few minutes at the beginning of each day to comb or brush. Once you get into the habit it will only take 5 to 10 minutes per day and you and your cat will look forward to the quality time together. Finding a comfortable spot and position for your cat will make his grooming routine quick and easy.

Grooming also allows you the opportunity to inspect the coat and skin to discover any injuries, abscesses or fleas. As a kitten, you can teach your cat to enjoy his grooming time with you by alternating grooming with petting and playing in a safe, quiet area.

There are a variety of grooming tools out there. As a cat owner, you must find the best and most effective tool for each cat in your household depending upon your cat’s coat thickness, length and texture.

Many groomers recommend a stainless steel comb, one with wide to fine teeth to go through the fur. A stainless steel comb allows you to pull any loose fur out and the comb’s combination of wide and fine teeth helps remove mats, dead hair and tangles. In addition to a stainless steel comb, a bristle brush made from human hair is excellent for long coated cats. It is best to try several grooming tools to see which one you like best and works the best for your cat’s health and beauty regiment.

Additional References:

1. Grooming Video from CFA
2. Ask the Groomer

National Pet Week is May 1-7, 2011

Did you know that May 1-7, 2011 has been named National Pet Week by the American Veterinary Medical Association?

This year’s theme is, “Save a Life. Adopt a Pet.”

The goals of National Pet Week are to promote responsible pet ownership, celebrate the human-animal bond, and promote public awareness of veterinary medicine.

During the week of May 1-7, 2011, you can learn many new things as part of this annual tradition, from what it takes to be a responsible pet owner to finding the right veterinarian as well as ways to keep your pet healthy.

So, join CatsCenterstage as we celebrate the felines in our lives as responsible pet owners!

Delaware River Cats Show in New Jersey

Easter Lilies and Cats - NOT a Good Combination!

It’s that time again where Spring is upon us and we look forward with great anticipation to the upcoming Easter holiday and nice, long days of summer ahead.   With 10 to 12 million lily plants produced annually, the lily is a very popular plant to receive as a gift, especially during this time of year.  

However, this floral symbol of Easter not only can be poisonous, but can be deadly to your cat.  Cat owners must be aware when bringing lilies into their homes.  The following species are known toxins to cats:  The Easter lily, Tiger lily, Day Lily, Rubrum lily, Japanese Show Lily, as well as other members of the Liliaceae family can all cause kidney failure in cats.  In most plants, the leaves are known toxins along with the stems and flowers in certain species.  With some species, cats can eat as little as two or three leaves which can result in liver failure and, if left untreated, can cause death if not caught in time.

If you catch your cat eating a lily plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.  Should your cat ingest lily plant material, he may vomit, have diarrhea, became dehydrated and lethargic and develop a lack of appetite.  As internal damage progresses, symptoms can become more intense without prompt, appropriate treatment by your veterinarian.  Take the plant along when you take your cat to the veterinarian to make it easier for your veterinarian to prescribe the proper care and treatment.   

If you receive a lily plant, take extra caution to make sure that the plant is out of reach and kept away from your cat, especially if he likes to nibble on things.  Rather than struggle with the problem of where to put the plant, you may decide that cats are more fun and more decorative than a plant and just ban them from your home.

Additional Info:

1. Lily Hazards for Cats

2. Easter Lilies Can be Deadly for Your Cat

3. Toxic Plants and Your Cat

4. Non-toxic Plants and Your Cat

The CFA Disaster Relief Fund Assists Japan’s Cats in Need

Japan’s recent earthquake and tsunami that rocked the northeast part of Japan on March 11, 2011 has left at least 18,000 people dead, with a rising toll of reported dead every day.  While we can ascertain the damage to human life and damage to Japan’s exterior, the often forgotten victims in a tragedy of this magnitude are the animals.  For Japanese pet owners, the decision to leave their animals is out of the question as they struggle to survive in unthinkable conditions. 

Photo Credit: Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support

The CFA Disaster Relief Fund is ready to assist Japan’s cats in need of food, shelter and care.  The CFA Disaster Relief Fund is a totally volunteer effort.  Pam DelaBar, the head of The CFA Disaster Relief effort says,“We are very selective of the recipients and what to ensure from money to resources, as in cages for  affected animals, as with the recent earthquake in New Zealand and we make sure that the donations go to where it is most needed within each affected area.  If the Japanese Region does not establish a cat relief station, as was done after the Kobe earthquake in January 1995, then we will be donating to a Japanese veterinary group who is treating animals affected by the recent disaster."

Cat Island Survives the Earthquake

Amidst all of the sadness, is some good news.  Tashirojima, the small island in Ishinomaki City about 9 miles off the coast of otherwise known as “Cat Island” survived the earthquake.  Cat Island, with its shrine dedicated to cats which exists in the middle of the island, is a favorite of tourists and cat lovers alike.  Cat Island is home to at least 100 mostly elderly, people and many more cats which are valued for their practicality as well as their companionship as they keep the rodent population down in this fishing area. 

To take care of the cats of Japan affected by the earthquake, please send your donations to The Cat Fanciers’ Association Disaster Relief Fund. You can stipulate that your donation goes to a specific disaster effort.  You may send checks or money orders to:

Jan Rogers, Treasurer
CFA DISASTER RELIEF FUND
PO BOX 1830
Stephenville, TX 76401

DONATE THROUGH PAYPAL

Why a Good Scratching Post is an Essential Tool for Your Cat

The most natural thing to your cat to do is for her to sharpen her claws.  Scratching serves as a way for her to get exercise and keep her muscles fit, while at the same time marking her territory and making her feel good.  Scratching is one of the ways a cat expresses happiness.

One of the first things to purchase is a scratching post that your cat easily access.  Preferably, you need to find a high, or even upright or slanted scratching post that has natural wood and is covered with rough material such as sisal.  For safety, the scratching post should be supported by a wide base to prevent tipping and scaring her away from using her scratching post. 

The best time to train your cat is when she is a kitten.  To prevent your cat from using your rugs or sofa as her own personal scratching post, you may need to supervise her introduction to rooms with rugs and upholstered furniture.  Let her examine each piece of furniture or rug but never allow her to claw them.  Remember to trim her claws so that she does not get stuck on the scratching post and become frightened enough not to use it again. 

To get your cat to use the post, refrain from putting her paws on the post.  Your cat is curious and will check out the post in her own time.  Use a teaser toy, suspended from a cord on top of the post and play with her.  As she starts to play with the toy on the post, she will soon discover what the toy is for and begin using her scratching post.  You can also rub a bit of catnip on the post’s material post or even feed or play with her by her post to help her become familiar with her new post. 

Remember to give her frequent praise for using her scratching post and to help her reinforce her newfound habit. 


Related Articles:

Scratching the Surface - Claw Training Basics 
Clipping Your Cat's Claws

Three Essentials in Socializing Your New Kitten



European Burmese Kittens



 How excited you are!  You have just picked up your new kitten!  It is important to integrate your new kitten into your household and begin his socialization process as soon as possible.  There are three essential things to keep in mind when socializing your new kitten:

  

1. Secure a play area or play room and take him into the play room/area as his safe haven or when he cannot be watched so that he can feel safe and secure in at least one area of his new home.  Be sure to include his toys and a comfortable sleep area and make sure his food and litter box are easily accessible. 
2. Introduce your new kitten to his new surroundings, including family members and other pets, one step at a time.  As soon as you can, establish a routine for meals, sleeping, grooming and play time. Be patient with him as he gains confidence and forms relationships with others in your household. 
3. Purchase a few interactive toys for the kitten to play with and to keep his play focused and directed.  If he gets unruly or excited when playing or with others, distract him with one of his favorite toys.  Remember that bad habits increase with repetition and will be left behind as long as you don’t pay too much attention to them.  Focus on replacing bad habits with gentle actions and positive reinforcement through interactive play. 




Himalayan-Persian Kitten

 

Doing these essential tasks are good first steps to introducing your new kitten so that he becomes a happy, confident and well adjusted companion to enjoy for years to come. 

Suggested Links:

http://www.catscenterstage.org/choosingcat-video1.html
http://www.catscenterstage.com/kitty-kindy.html

http://www.catscenterstage.com/claw-clipping.html

http://www.catscenterstage.com/review-CFAactivecattoys.html