Don’t Subject This Barbaric Procedure On Your Cat: Know The Truth

Why you should never subject your cat to this torturous procedure that vets are still performing! Know the truth of the horrifying pain and repercussions that can happen throughout the cats life.

Declawing a cat Is Not a Nail Trim or even Nail Removal – it’s Amputation.

Declawing a cat is the same as cutting a human’s fingers off at the knuckle.

Once declawed, the cat cannot live around other animals because it does not have its front claws for defense, nor can it be let outside for the same reason. Further, it can’t climb trees or do other activities natural to our feline friends.

Declawing is Painful Surgery

Think of it as 10 amputations (if only the front feet are declawed). Pain meds may help initially, but phantom pain may last for weeks or months, as nerve endings heal.

Dr. Nicholas Dodman describes the pain following surgery: “Unlike routine recoveries, including recovery from neutering surgeries, which are fairly peaceful, declawing surgery results in cats bouncing off the walls of the recovery cage because of excruciating pain.

Alternatives to Surgery

There are several alternatives to a complete declawing, including trimming or a less radical (though more involved) surgery to remove just the claws.

Ask your vet about this alternative surgery.

Cats are sometimes born with extra toes – this is called polydactly. These toes will not harm the cat, but you should keep his claws trimmed just like any toe.

Nail Caps – Soft Paws – These are non-toxic, soft nail caps that are glued on to the existing trimmed nail. 

Diversions – Get a scratching post. There are many to choose from. You may need to “teach” your cat how much fun it can be. A popular variation on the traditional scratching post is the cardboard model filled with catnip. If you have an old rug, roll it up and stand it in a corner. Cats love it.

This is a clever DIY scratching post

Trimming the claws – regularly is an excellent way to reduce scratching damage and work on training and distracting your cat to use designated scratching areas. Most owners do this at home. If you are unable to, your vet or groomer can perform this service or teach you how.

Dangers of declawing a cat

Altered Gait May Lead to Later Joint Problems

Domestic cats are digitigrade, meaning they walk on their toes. Walking with an altered gait because of the lack of the first digit of the toes can affect all the joints of the leg, resulting later in arthritis of the hip and other joints.

Something I wish more American veterinarians would counsel their human clients about is de-clawing cats. It is a practice seen as diabolical in other nations, it’s only practiced in the US.

This is not a procedure akin to cutting our nails. It’s an operation that cuts off the end of the cat’s paws – akin to having our fingers cut off past their first knuckle. It is, to a degree, debilitating.

WHAT YOUR VET WON’T TELL YOU

 Declawed cats often associate the pain when digging in litter with the litter box itself, and will avoid it, choosing softer carpeting instead.

Cats that have been declawed avoid litter boxes as the cats feet are sensitive to the litter, and will go on the floor, for this reason.

There is ample evidence that declawing does result in increased biting and litter box avoidance, the behaviors that scientific researchers and shelter workers agree are the most common behavioral problems cited as reasons for relinquishment.

Declawing Sometimes Leads to Biting Problems

When cats lose their ability to give a quick warning scratch, they will often resort to their second line of defense: a good, hard bite. The cat’s owner may sometimes find himself the victim, just when he thinks his cat is enjoying a petting session.

Why Are So Many De-clawed Cats Surrendered?

At the shelter, I believe we see a disproportionate number of de-clawed cats surrendered, and I think I’ve figured out why.

People get cats de-clawed because they don’t want the animal to, essentially, be an animal. They don’t want to have to train the cat to not scratch here, not climb there, and in essence do what cats do until they are trained.  Continued on next page>

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Cats Age Chart

In general, cats live longer than most dogs. An average life span might be 12 to 18 years, with some cats reaching 20 and more.

A cat’s longevity depends on whether or not it lives indoors or is allowed outdoors (outdoor cats live an average of 4 to 6 years).

Find out the age of your cat in “human years” with the chart we provided below.

Feline life expectancy depends on many things, but the most important factor is whether the cat is an indoor-only cat or an outdoor cat.

Life expectancy varies significantly between the two.

The life expectancy of an indoor cat is generally 12 to 18 years.

Many indoor cats may live to be in their early 20s. The oldest cat in reported history was 28 years old at the time of death.

Outdoor cats generally live to be around 4 to 6 years of age.

Their deaths are typically due to traumas such as being hit by a car or being attacked by another animal.

Outdoor cats are also more susceptible to deadly viruses that are spread by fighting or prolonged intimate contact with an infected cat. 

The general consensus is that at about age seven a cat can be considered “middle-aged”, and at age 10 and beyond – old.

It was once generally thought that one year in the life of the cat was equivalent to seven years of a human life.

A new scale of equivalents is now recognized: after the first two years, the cat’s life proceeds more slowly in relation to human life and each feline year is approximately four human years.

Use the chart below to determine your cat’s age in relation to a human’s.

You might like:

Advantages of Adopting a Senior Pet

Top 5 Most Popular Cat Breeds

Many of the pedigreed breeds are well-known, others are rare yet treasured by those who value their rich history and other unique characteristics. There are 40 pedigreed cats recognized by the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA).

The CFA is the world’s largest cat registry and rank the most popular purebred cats.

5 Most Popular Cat Breeds

1. Persian
2. Maine Coon
3. Exotic
4. Siamese
5. Abyssinian

Honorable Mention

1. Ragdoll
2. Birmans
3. American Shorthair
4. Oriental
5. Sphynx

1. Persian

Persians, with their long flowing coats and open pansy-like faces are the number one breed in popularity.

Their sweet, gentle, personalities blend into most households once they feel secure in their new environment.

While the white Persian has long been the darling of photographers and advertisers, Persians come in an astonishing number of colors, which are divided into seven color divisions for purposes of competition.

Characteristics and Personality

COAT LENGTH: Longhair

CHARACTERISTICS: Stocky body, long full coat, round head with a short nose; broad face; available in a variety of colors and patterns

PERSONALITY: Sweet, affectionate, quiet creatures of habit, Persians are most at home in an atmosphere of security and serenity, but with love and reassurance, can easily adapt to the most boisterous of households.

Their quiet, melodious voices are pleasant and non-abrasive. They communicate delightfully with their large expressive eyes and make charming pets for all ages. Persians have short heavily-boned legs to support their broad, short bodies.

They like to have their feet firmly planted and are not given to high jumping and climbing.

2. Maine Coon

The Maine Coon can be content with his own company and will pursue a variety of activities that he considers entertaining.

Some of these activities include playing with toys, watching birds outside through the window, splashing in his water bowl, and of course sleeping, usually on your head.

These large cats have an interesting vocabulary, which includes not only the meow, but also a variety of cheeps, trills, and purrs. This intelligent, easy going companion has become a great favorite with men who find these actions very appealing.

Maine Coons are well known for their loving nature, kindly disposition and great intelligence.

Maine Coon Cats are especially good with children and dogs, and are now a popular, and highly sought after companion, much admired for their beauty and sweetness.

Characteristics and Personality

COAT LENGTH: Longhair

CHARACTERISTICS: Large, rugged cat; many colors and patterns are available

PERSONALITY: Gentle, easy going yet active. The Maine Coon is well known for its loving nature, kindly disposition and great intelligence.

Maines are especially good with children and dogs and have always been a popular and sought after companion. As a breed, Maine Coon Cats are gentle and loyal.

They are strong, tranquil, and a pleasure to see and touch. They have easygoing temperaments that make them ideal family pets.

They get along well with children and dogs. Depending on the breed of dog, the Maine Coon can be bigger than Fido.

3. Exotic

Exotics are a delightful shorthair version of the Persian cat.

Often referred to as a “teddy-bear” cat, they have the charming appearance, and the mild, gentle disposition of their full-coated cousins, without the demanding requirements for daily grooming.

Exotics have a quiet, endearing nature.Their voices are seldom heard. The Exotic is an ideal breed that produces a quiet, sweet, peaceful and loyal companion. They are easy going and not much seems to disturb them.

In general, they are extremely affectionate.

Exotics are identical to Persians in every respect, except for coat length. Their luxurious coat is shorter than the Persian’s, it is medium in length and does not resemble the coat of any other short haired cat. Its texture is not silky or wiry. It should be medium soft.

Most importantly, the coat has to be very dense, like the winter coat of a bear or a mountain goat. This coat does not exist in any other breed. It is strictly the result of combining Persians and short hairs.

Characteristics and Personality

COAT LENGTH: Shorthair

CHARACTERISTICS: Body and head type like a Persian but with a short plush coat, available in same colors and patterns as the Persian

PERSONALITY: Sweet, affectionate, quiet. An Exotic is very comfortable to be in your home. They give you privacy and are not constantly demanding attention. They will, however, quietly follow you from room to room just to be nearby.

They are just as playful and fun loving as other breeds.

They will jump until exhausted trying to catch a toy on a stick, or they will sit and carefully study how to get the toy down from the top of the bookcase where it was placed when you stopped playing with them.

Exotics stay playful as adults and bring pleasure for many years.

4. Siamese

Given the innate independence of the feline species and its territorial nature, any cat that exhibits a marked ability to communicate and that wants to associate with people is testifying to a long period of domestication.

No breed surpasses the Siamese in its ability to communicate and in its love for human beings. Whether it is by vocalizing or by body language, the Siamese is determined to communicate.

In addition, they tend to be vocal in direct proportion to the desired end, always demanding the last word. Siamese do not tolerate isolation (or being ignored) well, they want to be a part of their owners’ lives, as they hold firmly to the belief that they are man’s best friend.

They are in one’s lap, on one’s newspaper, in one’s bed, and completely in one’s heart.

Nor should this statement suggest that they are simply pleased to take these various positions; Siamese insist upon it.There is no better companion cat than “The Royal Cat of Siam,” a feline thoroughly acquainted with the term, “togetherness.”

Characteristics and Personality

COAT LENGTH: Short hair

CHARACTERISTICS: Long, slender body with typical color at the points – chocolate, seal, blue and lilac; long slender legs; long wedge shaped head.

PERSONALITY: Vocal, affectionate, active; can be insistent. The Siamese voice is legendary. They speak both with their voice and with their body. They are the quintessential “people” cat, for they love to be in your lap, on your bed, at your table–and in your heart!

5. Abyssinian

The name ‘Abyssinian’ refers to Ethiopia but most of the stories about the origins of Abyssinians refer to Egypt.

Genetic research suggests the breed originated near the coast of the Indian Ocean,where colonists may have purchased animals from wild animal traders.

The breed was developed in Egypt and is sometimes believed to have originated from one Egyptian female kitten named Zula, who was taken from a port in Alexandria by a British soldier and brought to England in 1868.

This theory is not established because there is no solid link between Zula and the cat first listed as an Abyssinian in 1882.

This is an affectionate, loyal but demanding breed who needs to keep busy to avoid becoming bored and destructive. Abys also make you a tidy housekeeper because they like to climb, so keep breakables safely out of paw’s reach.

The Abyssinian still sports the jungle look of felis lybica, the African wildcat ancestor of all domestic cats, but thrives on interacting in an active household.

Their thick, dense short haired coats require very little brushing and they rarely need baths. Abys are ideal breeds to learn basic obedience and master tricks using clicker training.

Characteristics and Personality

COAT LENGTH: Short hair

CHARACTERISTICS: This is not a breed to be left alone for long periods of time, as they can become bored and destructive. Even as adults, they remain playful and rotate between periods of frenzied activity and total relaxation. They are known to be proficient hunters.

PERSONALITY: Abyssinians are energetic, athletic and playful with their owners.They also have been described as being quiet, shy, gentle, reserved and somewhat aloof with strangers.

Abys thrive in an indoor living environment and typically provide hours of daily amusement to their owners. They are highly social and sociable, and they require a definite role in the family unit. Today, they are the most sought after cat in this country.

Did you know that many shelters and rescue groups have pure breeds waiting for their forever home? And if they don’t have what you’re looking for, you can put in a request for them to notify you when they get in your furbaby.

For more information and photos, please click the below websites:

Petfinders List of Cat Breeds
Photos and Description of the breeds + Adoptions

CFA Cat Breeds
Photos and Standards of the breeds

Cat Superstitions

There are many wives tales and superstitions about cats. In some cultures black cats are considered good luck, and in others they are considered bad luck. Find out the many superstitions, and some less popular beliefs coming from various countries.

“A black cat that walks in your path is bad luck” is one of many superstitions we have heard and probably the most popular.

The gambling world is afraid of black cats. It is believed that if, while traveling to a casino, if a black cat crosses a gambler’s road or path, that person should not go to the casino. Most players believe that black cats bring bad luck.

Sacred cats kept in a sanctuary in ancient Egypt were carefully tended by priests who watched them day and night. The priests interpreted the cat’s movements – twitch of a whisker, yawn, or stretch – into a prediction of an event that would happen in the future.

A black cat crossing one’s path by moonlight means death in an epidemic. Irish superstition 

To see a white cat on the road is lucky.  

American superstition

When moving to a new home, always put the cat through the window instead of the door, so that it will not leave. – American superstition 

If cats desert a house, illness will reign there 

Dreaming of white cat means good luck. – American superstition  

• When the pupil of a cat’s eye broadens, there will be rain. – Welsh superstition 
• A cat sneezing is a good omen for everyone who hears it. – Italian superstition 
• English schoolchildren believe seeing a white cat on the way to school is sure to bring trouble. To avert bad luck, they must either spit, or turn around completely and make the sign of the cross.
• It is bad luck to see a white cat at night. – American superstition 
• When you see a one-eyed cat, spit on your thumb, stamp it in the palm of your hand, and make a wish. The wish will come true. – American superstition 
• If a cat washes behind its ears, it will rain. – English superstition 
• A cat sleeping with all four paws tucked under means cold weather ahead. – English superstition 
• To see a white cat on the road is lucky. – American superstition
• One who kicks a cat will develop rheumatism in that leg.
• A black cat lying on a sick person’s bed will bring death.
• Cats will suck the breath from babies.

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History of Pet Food

The pet food industry in the U.S. is relatively young, which is surprising when you consider the vast and confusing array of pet food offerings available on the market.

Prepared pet food has only been around for about 60 years, and has experienced most of its growth spurt in just the last 30 years.

Before analyzing the regulation of pet food it is worth noting the development of the industry over the last 100 years.

Prior to the introduction of commercial pet food, dogs ate table scraps salvaged from their human companions.

Cats, kept for their rodent hunting abilities, mostly subsisted on their own kills.

Companion animals survived for decades on these diets.

The First Commercial Pet Food

An American by the name of James Spratt produced the first commercial dog food, a biscuit, in 1860. Spratt was a salesman in London when he noticed dogs on docks being fed left over biscuits from the ships.

His product proved profitable and was sold to English gentlemen who owned sporting dogs.

In 1890 his formula and production were taken over by a large company which then began operations in the United States.

During the 1980’s the pet food industry’s monstrous profits diminished when inflation combined with increased advertising budgets started eating into earnings.

The biggest blow came in the form of new found skepticism by consumers.

During the 80’s, the revelation that the world’s food supply was lagging behind population growth attracted substantial media attention.

Why Does Pet Food Cost so Much?

Consumers began wondering why they were paying so much money for their pets’ food when there might not be sufficient food for humans.

This forced a once booming industry to defend the need for its products.

Ironically, this meant that instead of selling their products as “fit for humans” complete with peas and carrots in canned dog foods, the industry began insisting that their “principal ingredients are not suitable for human use.”

Considering that the industry and its regulators claim that pet foods are safe for human consumption, and indeed, are ingested by some humans, any assertion that the main ingredients are not “suitable” for humans appears hypocritical.

Unfortunately, the pet food industry survived the 80’s relatively unscathed and continues to thrive today.

To learn the shocking ingredients that are put in commercial pet foods 
click here

In fact, despite never reforming, the industry currently enjoys annual sales of  over $13 billion world wide.

The success of the pet food industry should not in and of itself trouble consumers, rather, consumer concern should focus on the inadequate regulatory regime that the industry has established and maintained. 

Many commercial foods rely on sub-standard ingredients and yet bear claims of “complete” and “balanced” with defenseless pets paying the price and unsuspecting owners paying avoidable vet bills.

Pet food, like human food, is regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (hereinafter “FFDCA”).

The FFDCA defines food as “articles used for food or drink for man or other animals…” and requires that all foods be free of adulteration and mis-branding.

Without further analysis, one could conclude from this definition that all pet foods are regulated and approved for human consumption.

This could not be further from the truth.

In fact, the website of the Center for Veterinary Medicine states that “animal feeds provide a practical outlet for plant and animal byproducts not suitable for human consumption,” a statement seemingly contradictory to the regulations of the FFDCA, which apply equally to human and animal foods.

The ASPCA handles over 160,000 animal poison related emergencies annually.

It’s often pet owners who unwittingly poison their pets by giving them foods and drinks they can’t tolerate, or give them dangerous “recalled” foods which can make them sick and even kill their pet. 

To see Recalls and Alerts of Pet Foods  click here

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What Do Indoor Cats Need to Be Happy?

Cats are kept indoors for a number of reasons most relating to health and safety. The most common reasons include minimizing their exposure to outdoor dangers, traumas, toxins and deadly exposure to infections.

Cats that are kept exclusively indoors live on average at least twice as long as outdoor cats. Although the indoor environment may be safer, the indoor environment may not be interesting to a curious cat.

It is important to create an environment that is enriched, stimulating and helps supplement what cats normally would get outside.The following are some ideas and recommendations to help your indoor cat be its happiest!

Good litter, litter box and litter box care

Make sure you have an adequate number and size of litter boxes. Now, there are many stylish litter boxes to chose from.

There should be at least one box per cat PLUS one. They should be cleaned or scooped daily, litter changed monthly and boxes replaced twice a year.

They should also be in a location where your cat feels safe using the box and away from high traffic areas and dogs.

Good litter box hygiene is a must for cats! You should use the texture and type of litter that appeals to your cat. I find that a large “under the bed” storage container works well, especially if your cat is large.

Good quality food

Indoor cats need good quality food to stay healthy. Choose the best quality food that you can afford. Make sure the label indicates that it is “AFFCO” approved which reflects that they company incorporated the minimal levels of nutrients that should be included in a commercial food.

Grow a little cat grass

Most cats love cat grass.

You can easily grow a small pot or planter and offer it periodically as a special treat or purchase it from your favorite pet store.

Toys

Cats love to play. Making sure your cats have lots of toys that like helps to enrich their environment. Every cat has differences of toys and play preferences.

At a minimum, have some toys that roll, something with catnip and a toy on a string that can be moved to help stimulate your cat to pounce and play.

A toy that can be filled with catnip is pleasurable for the cat and also for you to watch how your cat enjoys the toy.

Play time

Cats should be given at least 10 minutes of attention each per day. This should include some playing time and some bonding time.

Scratching post

Cats have a desire to scratch. Scratching allows them to sharpen their claws, get rid of dead claw pieces and mark territory. Even de-clawed cats like to go through the motions of scratching.

You should make sure you have a good spot for your cat to scratch!

Refuge

All cats need a refuge or place to get away and feel safe.

Most “refuges” are boxes, beds or cat carriers in a place off the beaten path of the busy household.

It should be a place where your cat can get away, feel safe and rest peacefully.

This is especially important in busy households, households with dogs or multiple cats.

Visual stimulation

 Every cat should have the ability to look out the window and be stimulated by the environment.

A screened in porch is ideal but if that is not possible a nice window seat or window bed is a wonderful addition.

Cats love to watch nature and other out-door activities.

If possible, consider placing a bird feeder within view of the window.

Cat Condos

Cats love to climb and a cat condo is a wonderful spot for your cat to feel safe, observe the environment and climb!

Cat Condos often have several levels for cats to climb, places for them to scratch and taking catnaps – and they don’t take up much room.

Love

Cats love to be loved. Take time to let your cat know you care.

An excellent way to show your cat how much you love her, is to brush your cat.

Most cats love the attention and it feels good, and will eliminate hair from the furniture and you.

It is a great bonding experience for your cat and you.

Click here

Pets can be adopted from the Humane Society, ASPCA, adopted from a rescue group or rescued off the street, their contribution to the household they are in, is invaluable.

Recommended Reading:

• Caring for Kittens and Cats
• Things to Consider Before Adopting a Cat

14 Signs Your Pet Is Too Hot: Can You Recognize Them All?

If you think it’s hot out, just imagine what our pets are feeling. Many times they can be suffering from all kinds of heat problems and the symptoms may show up when it’s too late. Heat stroke can be a life-threatening issue for both humans and pets.

Heatstroke…the ultimate and often deadly result of overheating …is caused by a dangerous elevation in an animal’s body temperature.

While it most often occurs in dogs left in cars during the summer months, it can also happen in late spring and the first weeks of summer if a pet is exposed to high temperatures before he or she has acclimated to the heat.

Every year, dogs suffer and die when their guardians make the mistake of leaving them in a parked car—even for “just a minute”—while they run an errand.

Parked cars are deathtraps for dogs: On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to between 100 and 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes.

A Form of Cruelty—Literally

Many states and local governments have laws that prohibit leaving an animal unattended in a motor vehicle under dangerous conditions, which include hot days.

Under these laws, police, animal control agents, peace officers and others may be authorized to enter by whatever means necessary to remove the animal. 

You could have your car damaged, be charged with a crime, and fined or imprisoned. It’s not worth it—don’t leave your pet in the car!

Some pets are at higher risk for heat-related illness than others, including brachycephalic breeds (dogs and cats with flat faces and short noses), older pets, puppies and kittens, animals that are ill or have a chronic health condition, pets not used to warm weather, and any pet left outside in hot weather.

RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF OVERHEATING IN YOUR PET (and yourself)

►14 SIGNS of HEATSTROKE:

1. Heavy panting or rapid breathing

Woman leaves dog in hot car. Cop forces her to see how dog felt. Read the story here

2. Excessive thirst

3. Glazed eyes

4. Vomiting

5. Bloody diarrhea

6. Bright or dark red tongue, gums

7. Staggering, stumbling

8. Elevated body temperature

9. Weakness, collapse

10. Increased pulse and heartbeat

11. Body temperature from 104-110F

12. Seizures

13. Excessive drooling

14. Unconsciousness (coma)

If you think your pet may have heat stroke, visit a vet immediately.

Just because the symptoms go away, don’t assume your pet is fine. Its internal organs may still be suffering from heat stroke. This is why it is so important to keep an eye on your pet while out on a hot day.

Dog Heatstroke Survival Guide

Use the following tips to keep your pet cool 

on hot days

• Take your pet to a cool, shaded place. 
• Use cool, wet fabric to wrap around your pet’s feet and head. 
• Dump cool water on your pet. Don’t use ice water, as this may cause blood vessels to constrict. 
• Offer ice cubes to lick and provide plenty water.

Heatstroke can occur during walks, runs, high energy play time, even if your yard or walking path is shaded.

Here’s a list of pointers to prepare everyone for the coming long, hot days especially in the desert

Avoid the heat. Just like humans, pets are prone to heat exhaustion. Keep your pets indoors during excessive heat warnings, no exceptions. And don’t forget to keep them hydrated!

Pool play. A baby pool is a great way to include your pet in outdoor family fun. Make sure the water is in a shady, safe area. Watch any kids playing in the same area.

Lose the chain. Never chain an animal outdoors, they could wander outside of the shade and get tangled up-keeping them from cooler spots and water sources. Always make sure your pet has access to a cool, non-metal container with clean water.

Street heat. Don’t exercise your pooch in peak heat hours. The concrete and pavement can burn your dog’s paws. save the walks for early mornings or late evenings. Remember to wear proper gear to make you visible to cars and bikers at night.

Take it slow. Do not over-exercise your pet. If they do become ill in the heat, you probably won’t notice until its too late to get help.

Stick together. Just like a child, same rules apply. Never, EVER leave your pet in a parked car.

Asphalt

If it’s too hot for your feet, then it’s too hot for your pets paws.

DID YOU KNOW?

Dogs can’t sweat! Instead, they pant to cool themselves off. So when it’s hot, be sure that your dog has lots of fresh water to drink and isn’t out in the sun for too long.

❤ Share This Life Saving Message ❤

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15 Little Known Facts about Cats

All cats, big and small, have common characteristics. Most cats purr, they don’t particularly like water and they love to run after their prey.

Find out the not so common things known about the cat, which will give you a greater insight into the “mysterious” cat.

Cats have endeared themselves to many cultures for their helpful mouse-hunting skills, cleanliness, attitude and beauty.

Female cats have also recently been recognized for their strong mothering instinct. One high profile cat ran back into a burning house exactly enough times to save each of her kittens from the blaze.

Listed below are some of the not so common things known about the cat, which will give you a greater insight into the cat.

1. A large majority of white cats with blue eyes are deaf 

White cats with only one blue eye are deaf only in the ear closest to the blue eye. White cats with orange eyes do not have this disability.

2. Cats with white fur are very prone to sunburn

 Frequent sunburns can lead to skin cancer. To prevent this, just keep your cat indoors, they’ll live longer, more healthy lives.

3. Kittens who are taken along on short, trouble free car trips to town tend to make good passengers when they get older. They get used to the sounds and motions of traveling and make less connection between the car and the visits to the vet.

4. The catnip plant does for cats what marijuana does to some people. 

Not all cats react to it, those that do, appear to enter a trance like state. A positive reaction takes the form of the cat sniffing the catnip, then licking, biting, chewing it, rubbing and rolling on it repeatedly, purring, meowing and even leaping in the air.

5. Cats have three shapes of eyes –

 Round, Oval and Almond. In relation to their body size, cats have the largest eyes of any mammal.

6. Cats sleep 16 to 18 hours a day

Cats conserve energy by sleeping more than most animals, especially as they grow older. The term cat nap refers to the cat’s ability to fall asleep (lightly) for a brief period. Someone who nods off for a few minutes is said to be “taking a cat nap”.

7.  At 4 weeks, it is important to play with kittens

This is so that they do not develop a fear of people. Cats are social animals – the more you talk to them the more they will respond with a meow as cats enjoy interaction with people.

8. The longer they’re with their mother, the better it is for the kitten and the mother

Kittens should remain with their mother till the age of at least 8 weeks, preferably 12 weeks.

9. You will learn a lot from your cat’s wide vocabulary of chirps and meows

A pet cat will respond and answer to speech , and seems to enjoy human companionship. Some cats, when spoken to, will respond with a meow or movement of the cats mouth – and some cats can actually mouth words.

*I had a cat that would say “mama” and “hello”. Another cat answered your questions with a distinctive “yes” or “no”.

10. Both humans and cats have identical regions in the brain responsible for emotion.

11. A cat loses as much fluid in cleaning herself as she does in urine.

12. A cat spends 30% of the time they are awake grooming themselves.

13. Normal body temperature for a cat is 101 degrees F.

14. A cat’s urine will glow under a black light.

15. The way you treat kittens in the early stages of it’s life will render it’s personality traits later in life.

You might like:

• Cat Superstitions
• Top Cat Quotes
• 10 Top Cat Breeds

You Know You Have Too Many Cats When –

“Even your coffee table has a slip cover.”

“Every year you get a personally autographed Christmas card from Morris.” 

“All your windowsills are occupied.”

“For Mothers Day last year the kids pooled their money and bought you an electric cat brush.

• More than half your mail comes from Purina and Friskies. 
• The most important crop in your garden every year is catnip. 
• You actually understand what your cats are saying. 
• You and your spouse are sleeping on the floor because there’s no more room in the bed. 
• You have to change the vacuum cleaner bags every week. 
• Your cat door has been replaced three times. 
• Your last three cats are named Puss, Kitty Cat, and Hey You. 
• Your neighbors forget your last name and start referring to you as “you know, the cat people.” 
• The cleaning lady at the vet’s office calls you by your first name. 
• You can’t remember what a house plant looks like. 
• You’re running out of corners to put litter boxes in. 

Quotes by Kathie Freeman

       

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Animals can be adopted from the Humane Society, SPCA, adopted from a rescue group or rescued off the street, their contribution to the household they are in, is invaluable.

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Commercial Pet Food Dangers

90 Percent of Pet Foods May Cause Disease in Your Pet…90 percent of pet foods out there contain totally inappropriate ingredients that are not nourishing and actually create low-grade inflammatory processes, diabetes and obesity.

The sad truth is that many of the bad ingredients in commercial pet foods sold in grocery stores and veterinary clinics help provide patients for vets.

Chemicals in Pet Food

Chemicals in Pet food are dangerous to your cat and dog. Many chemicals in pet foods are added to improve the taste, stability, characteristics, or appearance of the food. The chemicals used to euthanize zoo animals – dogs and cats can survive the cooking process, which means these chemicals end up in cat and dog food, and ultimately in your pet.

Euthanized cats and dogs often end up in rendering vats along with other questionable material to make meat meal, and meat and bone meal.This can be problematic because sodium pento-barbital can withstand the heat from rendering.

To Read The Story Click Here

For years, some veterinarians and animal advocates have known about the potential danger of sodium pento-barbital residue in commercial pet food, yet the danger has not been alleviated.

In short, that means the poisons designed to kill pets are the same ones being fed to them. Chemicals in pet food provide no nutritional value.

Additives include emulsifiers to prevent water and fat from separating, antioxidants to prevent fat from turning rancid, and artificial colors and flavors to make the product more attractive to consumers and more palatable to their companion animals.

Adding chemicals in pet food originated thousands of years ago with spices, natural preservatives, and ripening agents.

In the last 40 years, however, the number of food additives has greatly increased. Chemicals in pet foods are used to help preserve the food so they stay fresh and appealing to our animal companions.

Canning is a preserving process itself, so canned foods contain less preservatives than dry foods.

Some preservatives are added to ingredients or raw materials by the suppliers, and others may be added by the manufacturer.

Because manufacturers need to ensure that dry foods have a long shelf life to remain edible after shipping and prolonged storage, fats used in pet foods are preserved with either synthetic or “natural” preservatives.

Synthetic preservatives include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate, propylene glycol (also used as a less-toxic version of automotive antifreeze), and ethoxyquin.

For these antioxidants, there is little information documenting their toxicity, safety, interactions, or chronic use in pet foods that may be eaten every day for the life of the animal.

Some chemicals in pet food are potentially cancer-causing agents such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, which are permitted at relatively low levels.

The use of these chemicals in pet foods has not been thoroughly studied, and long term build-up of these agents may ultimately be harmful.

MONSANTO tested on Rats This is the outcome!

Due to questionable data in the original study on its safety, ethoxyquin’s manufacturer, Monsanto, was required to perform a new, more rigorous study of chemicals in pet food. This was completed in 1996.

Even though Monsanto found no significant toxicity associated with its own product, in July 1997, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine requested that manufacturers voluntarily reduce the maximum level for ethoxyquin by half, to 75 parts per million.

While some pet food critics and veterinarians believe that ethoxyquin is a major cause of disease, skin problems, and infertility in dogs, others claim it is the safest, strongest, most stable preservative available for pet food. Which do you believe?

Ethoxyquin is approved for use in human food for preserving spices, such as cayenne and chili powder, at a level of 100 ppm — but it would be very difficult to consume as much chili powder every day as a dog would eat dry food. Ethoxyquin has never been tested for safety in cats.

To read more about the shocking ingredients that are put in pet foods along with the dangers it poses for our pets, click here

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Pets can be adopted from the Humane Society, SPCA, Shelters, adopted from a Rescue Group or rescued off the street, their contribution to the household they are in, is invaluable.