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	<title>Tails &#38; Whiskers</title>
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	<link>http://tails-whiskers.org</link>
	<description>Tails &#38; Wiskers bloggers guide for cat owners</description>
	<pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:54:24 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>9 Reasons For Adopting A Senior Cat - And 6 Reasons For Not Adopting A Kitten</title>
		<link>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=192</link>
		<comments>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=192#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:54:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>tails-whiskers</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Buddies]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Good Manners]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Shoulders]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=192</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
John Young asked: He leaped out of the cage and grabbed me around the shoulders. My shock quickly turned into amazement. He hadn&#8217;t sunk his claws into me! My thought was, &#8220;This cat definitely knows good manners. Somebody has worked with him.&#8221; I looked at the ticket on the cage door. It read, &#8220;Morgan, male, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left; padding: 12px"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/cc/kitten3.jpg"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/cc/kitten3.jpg" title='kitten' alt='kitten' /></a></div>
<div><em><strong>John Young</strong> asked: </em><br/><br/><br/>He leaped out of the cage and grabbed me around the shoulders. My shock quickly turned into amazement. He hadn&#8217;t sunk his claws into me! My thought was, &#8220;This cat definitely knows good manners. Somebody has worked with him.&#8221; I looked at the ticket on the cage door. It read, &#8220;Morgan, male, age 14.&#8221;<br/><br/>Age 14? I hesitated. That was pretty old. I put him back in the cage and walked around the shelter, looking the other cats over. There were many nice ones, as well as a few kittens.<br/><br/>But my mind kept going back to Morgan, and I realized that, in fact, I had bonded with him. Fourteen years notwithstanding, we had become buddies.<br/><br/>THE PLIGHT OF THE SENIOR CAT<br/><br/>One of the saddest things you&#8217;ll see in Animal Shelters is the number of older cats waiting for adoption. By and large, people are looking for kittens.<br/><br/>The older cats languish, many from happy homes where they were loved and cared for, but brought into the shelter for some reason known only to the owner and the cat.<br/><br/>Many people, who don&#8217;t like older cats, like kittens. Kittens are cute, cuddly, and funny. They make pleasing pets - but lose their &#8220;playfulness&#8221; when they grow up, and with it the &#8220;love&#8221; of their owners.<br/><br/>Somebody said that the mark of a true cat lover is to desire to have grown cats over kittens.<br/><br/>A KITTEN ISN&#8217;T ALWAYS WHERE IT&#8217;S AT<br/><br/>Many people don&#8217;t think through the consequences of adopting a kitten, or of taking one or two kittens from the litter a friend is trying to get rid of, or bringing into your home one left on your doorstep.<br/><br/>Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before you adopt a kitten:<br/><br/>1. Taking care of themselves. Kittens are pretty marginal in being able to take care of themselves, especially when it comes to using a litter box. Do you have time to house train your kitten?<br/><br/>2. Young children. Do you have young children in the house? A child of 2 or 3 may inadvertently kill a kitten. Older children need to be taught how to play with them and need to be closely supervised.<br/><br/>3. Other pets. Are you bringing a kitten home to a household with other, older pets? Make certain you have the time to spend introducing and acclimating your pets to the kitten (and vice versa)<br/><br/>4. House dangers. Is there anything dangerous in your house that could harm a kitten? If you are not home during the day, have you made sure your kitten is safe while unsupervised?<br/><br/>5. Adoptions other than from an animal shelter. .If you are adopting a kitten from a friend, or taking one from a mother cat&#8217;s litter, are you prepared to neuter or spay the kitten and give her the vaccinations she needs?<br/><br/>6. Vaccinations. A kitten receives all of her vaccinations over a period of time. You should make sure you have the time and interest to get her the full regimen.<br/><br/>ADOPTING THE SENIOR CAT<br/><br/>Somebody said cats are like shoes: one size doesn&#8217;t fit all. Still there are some arguably general reasons for adopting a mature cat over a kitten:<br/><br/>1. An older cat is easier to take care of. In fact, to a great extent, an older cat pretty much can take care of itself. Great for the working person who can&#8217;t be home during the day.<br/><br/>2. Older cats are generally calmer than younger ones, and adapt more easily to a new environment.<br/><br/>3. Older cats usually come with their vaccinations and spaying or neutering. A kitten, even adopted from a shelter will need a series of vaccinations.<br/><br/>4. Older cats are better with small children than a kitten is. Better to get an older animal that can defend itself.<br/><br/>5. Older cats are usually housebroken. You&#8217;ll have to train a kitten.<br/><br/>6. Older cats can feed and take care of themselves whereas a kitten may need your help - not good for a busy working person.<br/><br/>7. An older cat can &#8220;hold its own&#8221; against the other family pets (like the dog) better than a kitten can. Unless you&#8217;re there to defend it, certain life situations aren&#8217;t good for a new kitten.<br/><br/>8. Older cats can better handle a move if you relocate your household. The only thing you have to make sure of is that your cat recognizes your new location as &#8220;its den&#8221; and doesn&#8217;t try to return to your old place.<br/><br/>9. And finally - older cats catch mice. In these days of smarter mice that avoid all known mousetraps, a mature cat can be invaluable.<br/><br/>THE JOY OF OWNING A SENIOR CAT<br/><br/>Well, his name was &#8220;Morgan&#8221;, but I renamed him &#8220;Tab&#8221; because he had the typical marks of a Tabby. Tab and I eventually learned to respect each other, and he - although a tough old alley cat - eventually enjoyed sitting in my lap having his battered ears stroked.<br/><br/>He lived five more years, and died at the ripe age of 19. During that time he was my companion during two years of unemployment, providing plenty of understanding, comfort, and love.<br/><br/>One day he definitely &#8220;earned his keep&#8221;. I found a dead rat in the living room, its neck bitten almost in half. The rat was almost as big as Tab was, but he&#8217;d wrestled it down and killed it.<br/><br/>So much for adopting kittens. I&#8217;d rather take a tough old alley cat any day of the week.<br/><br/><br/><br/><a href='http://'>Content</a></div>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://tails-whiskers.org/?feed=rss2&amp;p=192</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Kitten Safety</title>
		<link>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=194</link>
		<comments>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=194#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:18:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>tails-whiskers</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Cat Lovers]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Early Evening]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[New Cat]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=194</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Doris Canova asked: Cat lovers already know that they enjoying a purring, happy kitten in their lap, more than the company of a cat who just stares at you like you have two heads, but your kittens safety is vary important as well.  Kittens love to explore, and giving them safe ways to do this [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left; padding: 12px"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/cc/kitten4.jpg"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/cc/kitten4.jpg" title='kitten' alt='kitten' /></a></div>
<div><em><strong>Doris Canova</strong> asked: </em><br/><br/><br/>Cat lovers already know that they enjoying a purring, happy kitten in their lap, more than the company of a cat who just stares at you like you have two heads, but your kittens safety is vary important as well.  Kittens love to explore, and giving them safe ways to do this inside is wonderful. Try hiding favorite cat toys, such as a crinkly ball inside a cat tunnel and for even more excitement, try dangling a cat wand at one end when kitten is inside the tunnel. Kittens are naturally attracted to movements and sounds that trigger their instinct to stalk prey.   Cats are often most active in the early morning and early evening. Exercise and vigorous playing can help get rid of excess energy and keep your kitten calmer for the remainder of the day.   Take time out from your day to spend time playing with your kitten.  Kittens don’t like sharp sounds like those that come from a squeaky toy. Save the squeaky toys for the dogs and get your cat a catnip mouse instead. Cats are perfectly happy as inside pets so long as you provide them with enough toys and attention. If you’re away from home for long period, you might consider having two kittens for company.<br/><br/>Cats will swallow ribbon or string, which will not pass.  It will require surgical removal. Tie up traverse rod cords and pleated shade cords; you must keep these out of a reach, for your kitten safety. Cat&#8217;s teeth, like our own, are susceptible to cavities and tartar so regular oral hygiene is essential to keep them clean. Cats will climb and then try to defy gravity all the time, and we get to enjoy it when gravity wins. They need something tall and sturdy like a scratching post so that they can scratch on it, and not the furniture. Cats are reluctant to use a litter pan that is too close to the cat&#8217;s food so you must keep them far enough apart. When you get a new kitten or even an older cat go slow, don’t rush it.  Let your new cat come to you in its own time.<br/><br/>Cats scratch to mark their territory, not to just to sharpen their claws. When your kitten doesn’t have the ability to use this marking behavior because you have had them declawed, they may find it necessary to mark their territory with urine and ***** instead. Cats are well known for their bed hogging abilities. They can have you clinging to the outer edge of your bed while they are comfortably sprawled out, full length occupying nine tenths of the bed.  We know this to be true even in our own household.  When the cat takes a nap “don’t crowd me” is the command!<br/><br/>For kitten safety, kittens generally do not overeat, so food should be made available at all times. There are automatic cat feeders that keep your kitten’s food fresh and water fountains to keep water fresh as well. Always be sure to feed your kitten a good quality kitten food. Cats are carnivorous and they become mature at around seven to eight months old. Before this time their protein requirements are higher and the protein should be of animal origin.  If you have children, the litter pan will need to be placed in a place that your children can&#8217;t get to, but the kitten can have access easily.<br/><br/>Cats can teach child compassion and caring, and provide companionship. However, before you bring a kitten or even an older cat into your home, consider your lifestyle and expectations. Then go out and choose the pet accordingly.  A kitten will be a wonderful and amazing pet, and bring hours of delight for the children, as well as the adults.<br/><br/>Grooming your kitten encourages a healthy shine on his fur and keeps him looking sleek and healthy.  As with all good habits, it’s sensible to establish good grooming early on, so it becomes a normal part of your kitten’s life. Groom them regularly for your kitten safety please follow your vet&#8217;s instructions carefully when it comes to worming and other treatments.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>For your kitten safety anything found on the floor becomes a toy, so keep floor areas clear of things that may hurt them or that they can swallow. You may want to have a yard stick so that when she bats it away you will be able to retrieve your lost items from under the refrigerator, stove, and furniture.  Special note: don’t know why, but anything that can be pushed off a flat smooth surface probably will be, so place your breakables high up where kitty can&#8217;t get them or in a closed cabinet or closet. Remember these guys just love a challenge!<br/><br/>You’re vet is always ready to answer any questions about caring of your kitten safety. Please feel free to bring a list with you or call at any time.  Remember it is the behavior you dislike, not the cat, so don’t simply rush to give your cat up for adoption if they are being troublesome to you. Most aggressive problems in cats have very simple fixes that with a little time and energy can help your cat be the sweet, lovable pet you want.<br/><br/>NOTE:  This article is for information only.   See your veterinarian for medical advice.<br/><br/><br/><br/><a href='http://'>Content - Members-Only Content for WordPress</a></div>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://tails-whiskers.org/?feed=rss2&amp;p=194</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Cat Care Basics</title>
		<link>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=180</link>
		<comments>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=180#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:35:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>tails-whiskers</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Cat Furniture]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Colorful Toy]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Health Benefits]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=180</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Kelly Miller asked: When my kids came home begging me to get them a cat, I had no idea what to expect or how to care for a cat. Before I relented, I did some research and found out that there are some cat care basics with which I needed to be familiar before we [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left; padding: 12px"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/cc/cat52.jpg"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/cc/cat52.jpg" title='cat' alt='cat' /></a></div>
<div><em><strong>Kelly Miller</strong> asked: </em><br/><br/><br/>When my kids came home begging me to get them a cat, I had no idea what to expect or how to care for a cat. Before I relented, I did some research and found out that there are some cat care basics with which I needed to be familiar before we would bring a cat into the home. We had to make decisions about food, litter, cat furniture, toys, fleas, grooming, and vet care. It was not a decision to be taken lightly, but it was one we decided to take on.<br/><br/>Here is some of the information I uncovered doing my research before we brought our new cat, Tommy, into our home.<br/><br/>Cats need a specific diet. Not all cat foods are good at meeting the natural dietary needs of cats. You would think that if a manufacturer says a food is good for cats, it has to be good for cats. But determining whether or not a food fits the dietary needs of your cat is up to you. The manufacturer is trying to sell his product, so do your homework.<br/><br/>Dry foods have different health benefits and drawbacks than canned foods. I didn&#8217;t know that! Cats don&#8217;t need a lot of vegetable fillers in their diet. I didn&#8217;t know that either! Cats need a high-protein, high-animal fat diet. That sounded a bit off until I thought about it. Cats are carnivores in the truest sense of the word. They eat only other animals when they are in their natural habitat. Now I understand why I need to read labels and choose the diet that is best suited to Tommy&#8217;s natural needs.<br/><br/>Another area I looked into was what toys are best for a cat. I saw a lot of really cool, colorful, texture-rich toys in the pet store. They would be great! Any cat would have so much fun with such a toy. Not so. Cats are not completely color blind, but they do not make much distinction in colors. A colorful toy has little influence on its attractiveness to a cat.<br/><br/>I also thought a big ball of yarn would be fun until I found out that cats can ingest yarn and it embeds in the lining of their stomachs. That is not a scenario I wanted to know about personally! The cool crinkly toys I saw have had problems with the crinkly part coming out when the cat plays with it. Again, ingestion of the material can cause serious health risks. I had a lot of things to consider if I was going to have a cat and provide safe, fun toys for him to play with.<br/><br/>Do you know how many kinds of cat litter are on the market? Did you know some cats won&#8217;t use certain types of litter? Some of them are very expensive, and others have a more reasonable price tag, but while some cats enjoy the more expensive, others will only use the cheapest kind of litter. I was getting quite tired just thinking about how many experiments we might have to do if we brought a cat home. How much clean up was I willing to do if the cat didn&#8217;t like the litter I bought?<br/><br/>Cat furniture is another issue I researched. I know cats scratch, and I had heard that declawing is an unpleasant and unnecessary procedure. I wanted to know what my options were and how effective I could be in preserving my furniture and carpets. There is a large variety of options for furniture. There are textures cats prefer, along with structures that they enjoy. I learned that most important was to provide variety in any furniture I chose. I also learned that it is significantly cheaper (though requires an investment of time) to build my own.<br/><br/>Finally, I turned my thoughts to the physical health of a cat. I know worms can be a problem for a lot of cats. What I didn&#8217;t know was how easy they are to treat if you are diligent about keeping up with the general health of the cat. I also learned that there are things you can do to make your cat&#8217;s habitat less conducive to picking up worms. Cleanliness is important in the house as well as the yard!<br/><br/>And what about fleas? While fleas can be a problem, and they can cause some other health issues if they get out of control in a cat, they are also a minor problem if you are taking charge of your cat&#8217;s overall health. There are many monthly-use products that keep fleas at bay just by being faithful to giving them to your cat.<br/><br/>Ultimately, I learned a lot about taking care of a cat. My kids were asking me almost daily until I gave in and we brought Tommy home. I have been diligent about providing for his needs. He sees the vet on schedule. He has a healthy, protein-rich diet, he has toys that cannot hurt him, and we did finally find a litter he will use! He has quit scratching the furniture, and we are all enjoying having him in our home.<br/><br/>Be diligent in your research about cat care basics. If you will pay attention to your cat&#8217;s needs, you will be able to avoid illness, injury, and outrageous vet bills!<br/><br/><br/><br/><a href='http://'>Create a video blog&#8230;instantly.</a></div>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://tails-whiskers.org/?feed=rss2&amp;p=180</wfw:commentRss>
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		<item>
		<title>Cat Treats From Homemade Recipes</title>
		<link>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=184</link>
		<comments>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=184#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2008 04:00:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>tails-whiskers</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Biscuits Recipes]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Dry Cat Food]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Food Choices]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=184</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
John Dow asked: There are so many options available to the health conscious cat owner. Do I buy manufactured food and cat treats? If I buy manufactured, should I buy canned or dry? What fresh ingredients are the best for my cat?While you must make the decision about whether to go manufactured, fresh, or a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left; padding: 12px"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/cc/cat54.jpg"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/cc/cat54.jpg" title='cat' alt='cat' /></a></div>
<div><em><strong>John Dow</strong> asked: </em><br/><br/><br/>There are so many options available to the health conscious cat owner. Do I buy manufactured food and cat treats? If I buy manufactured, should I buy canned or dry? What fresh ingredients are the best for my cat?<br/><br/>While you must make the decision about whether to go manufactured, fresh, or a combination of the two, you should know there are lots of options about preparing your own healthy, tasty cat treats. There are also some things to remember about the best nutrition for your cat.<br/><br/>Cats need a combination of dry and moist food choices. The moist choices usually provide the more natural dietary needs cats have as true carnivores. The protein content is usually higher, providing them with more of what they need in each feeding. Yet moist foods have less filler, so it may take more food to fill kitty&#8217;s tummy.<br/><br/>The dry choices are also important. They do help to satisfy the cat&#8217;s hunger. I think we would go broke trying to keep our cat Tommy full on only canned cat food products! Second, the crunchy texture of the dry cat food choices provides dental care for your cat. Keeping teeth clean is an important aspect of his health, and it avoids the unpleasant sedation required for the vet to clean them.<br/><br/>Purchasing the variety of foods and cat treats necessary to keep your cat at its optimum health can be burdensome, both in the quantity of products you purchase and the space to store them, but also financially. One alternative to purchasing is to make your own cat food.<br/><br/>So many choices are available for a cat owner who wants to make his own foods. There are recipes available for kitty biscuits and crunchy treats. There are recipes for chicken and fish meals. There are recipes for those who desire to add a vegetable based element to their cat&#8217;s diet.<br/><br/>Some of my favorite cat treat recipes are so easy to make, and Tommy absolutely loves them. It&#8217;s as if he tastes the love that goes into preparing them! I have a couple recipes for kitty cookies, which we give Tommy as treats. The one he likes best is a flour-based recipe, and it includes wheat germ, and molasses.<br/><br/>Another of Tommy&#8217;s favorite recipes is a chicken and broth mixture rolled in a tortilla. The texture of the chicken blended with the broth is very similar to a canned cat food, and when it is rolled in a tortilla and sliced, it is very convenient to reward him every so often with a tasty treat. This recipe has to be refrigerated, and it can only be kept a few days before you run the risk of food poisoning.<br/><br/>Believe it or not, another favorite of Tommy&#8217;s is a kitty taco. This one is so easy for me to make anytime I brown ground beef for my family meal. It includes bone meal and cheese, which always brings Tommy running.<br/><br/>If you want a daily cat food instead of just cat treats you may consider a fish-based or a chicken-based homemade recipe. Tommy is a fan of anything that is made fresh. One of the greatest benefits of making your own cat food is you know exactly what quality of ingredients is going into the food. You can be assured your cat is getting choice cuts of fish and chicken, rather than animal by-products. Also, if you choose to add a vegetable component to your cat&#8217;s diet, you are certain that your cat is not getting leaves, stalks and other plant by-products that can be found in some manufactured foods.<br/><br/>I have the luxury of taking the time to cook for my cat and my family, but that was not always the case. If you find yourself on a busy schedule, and stepping foot in the kitchen to cook for the cat makes you cringe, you might consider a couple options.<br/><br/>First, plan your cat&#8217;s diet around your family&#8217;s diet. When you fix fish for the family, purchase a little extra to turn into cat treats. When you make a batch of cat food, it will only last a couple days in the refrigerator. Any cat can eat the same meal a couple days in a row, if it is a fresh, homemade option.<br/><br/>Second, use a couple hours on a weekend or free evening to prepare several recipes at once. You can freeze these homemade options until you are ready to use them. While you are preparing some of the perishable items, you may also opt to mix up a couple batches of homemade treats, which last longer and usually don&#8217;t need refrigerating.<br/><br/>Cat owners love their cats, and we want them to have the best diet without breaking the bank or our schedules. There are lots of cat treat recipes that cats love and they require only a little extra time to prepare them. If your cat is anything like Tommy, he will love the time and effort you put into preparing his meals. You can provide your cat with the safest, most beneficial diet by using some innovative, simple homemade cat treats recipes.<br/><br/><br/><br/><a href='http://'>Content - Members-Only Content for WordPress</a></div>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://tails-whiskers.org/?feed=rss2&amp;p=184</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Choosing the Right Litter Box for Your Cat</title>
		<link>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=178</link>
		<comments>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=178#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2008 02:55:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>tails-whiskers</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Cats Health]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Dust Pan]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Litter Boxes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=178</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Jay Schindler asked: Household pet cats definitely need litter boxes in which they do their business. Just like people, these feline friends can get finicky over this matter, so it is very important that they make sure the litter box they have for their pet cat suits the cats preferences; after all, it is the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left; padding: 12px"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/cc/cat51.jpg"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/cc/cat51.jpg" title='cat' alt='cat' /></a></div>
<div><em><strong>Jay Schindler</strong> asked: </em><br/><br/><br/>Household pet cats definitely need litter boxes in which they do their business. Just like people, these feline friends can get finicky over this matter, so it is very important that they make sure the litter box they have for their pet cat suits the cats preferences; after all, it is the cat that is going to use it. But the owner should also consider his own convenience regarding this matter; he should consider his budget for the cat box as well as the ease of cleaning it.<br/><br/>Choosing the perfect cat box can be beneficial to both your cats health as well as the owners. The important thing is that the cat box must be appealing to the cat and comfortable for use. Rest assured, the cat&#8217;s satisfaction also guarantees success.<br/><br/>In finding the perfect cat box, here are some things that must be considered:<br/><br/>Size and Depth<br/><br/>This maybe determined by the number of cats there are in the home. However, it is ideal if the number of cats in the home determines the number of cat boxes available rather than the size. For kittens, shallow cat boxes, no more than three inches deep are advisable. For adult cats on the other hand, those about six inches high are desirable. The prescribed area of the litter box is at least 24 inches in length or width.<br/><br/>Material of the Box<br/><br/>Heavy and durable plastic is the most advisable material for a cat box and is also the most inexpensive variety in stores. Plus with their simplicity in style, cleaning can prove to be a breeze.<br/><br/>Ease of Cleaning<br/><br/>Basic flat boxes are easy to clean because of their simple design. There is no need to remove any lids or covers to scoop or clean. However, some cats frequently kick litter out of the box so if you choose this option, you had better have a whisk broom and a dust pan always at hand.<br/><br/>Covered boxes usually minimize the trouble of having cat litter and waste scattered outside the box since they have hoods which keep all the litter inside. Covered boxes also tend to become stinky due to poor ventilation.<br/><br/>There are also those self-cleaning cat boxes available in the market. The self-cleaning feature of these boxes keep the cat box neat and tidy, but they also require some cleaning  from the owner. Every few days the receptacle must be emptied of urine and ***** and sometimes the rake does not get every bit of cat waste so there may be an occasional need for scooping them out.<br/><br/>Style and Features<br/><br/>There is a wide variety of designs, styles and features for cat litter boxes. The owner may have to choose which one will be most convenient for him and his cat.. Below are listed some basic designs for cat litter boxes:<br/><br/>-Basic flat box. This is the simple rectangular pan which is commonly made of plastic. They come in different depths, sizes and colors. This design is preferred by most cats. An innovation to this design whose is to hold the cat box liners in place by securing them under the rim.<br/><br/>-Covered cat boxes or hooded litter boxes. These cat litter boxes look like the traditional open-type rectangular pans except for the addition of the hood which partly covers the box. An opening is situated at one end of the box which serves as the entrance and exit way for the cat. The hood is also positioned high enough so that the cat can stand and do its job with ease and comfort. While they provide &#8220;privacy&#8221; for the pet, they tend to get very smelly because of poor ventilation inside. Manufacturers of this type of cat boxes have offered a solution to this problem. Some variants of the hooded type have vents on top plus a filter which aids in trapping odors. For this type of cat box, it is recommended that you choose one that is large enough to accommodate the pet, has a hood which can be easily maneuvered for easy cleaning, and large vents.<br/><br/>-Designer boxes. Also known as &#8220;hidden boxes&#8221;, this type of litter box disguises itself as a furniture piece or even a plant. A designer litter box not only serves to be the cat&#8217;s convenient toilet but it can also function as an accent for the room in which it is located. Although the containers are commonly not large enough, there are designs which are big and more open. These are the ones which are more ideal for use. Try to find one which provides good ventilation.<br/><br/>-Sifting Boxes. A few other variants of this type are available in the market but the basic model consists of two rectangular pans and a tray which acts as a sifter.<br/><br/>-Self-cleaning box. These electrical-powered high-end litter boxes work with a sensor which activates the self-cleaning machinery a few minutes after the cat has left the box. The cleaning machinery contains a rake which works its way along the litter to scoop out cat *** and **** into a waste receptacle. There is still the need to occasionally clean the unit, especially the cleaning mechanism itself.<br/><br/>Cost<br/><br/>The basic flat box is the most affordable of all the designs mentioned. The self-cleaning box is obviously the most expensive and their guarantee commonly lasts for only one year. This can be a risk which the owner must consider before actually buying a unit.<br/><br/>Appealing to the Cat<br/><br/>Cats generally do fine with the open box type. Covered boxes offer the &#8220;privacy&#8221; which some cats like but some cats feel trapped inside them. Owners of designer boxes may find it attractive to put them in places where they will be most appreciated. However, they must be sensitive to the fact that cats most often opt to do their business in a place which is quiet and safe. As for the automated self-cleaning cat litter boxes, some finicky cats may find them comfy since they are clean and spacious. However, they may get psyched out by the mechanical action if they chance to see it actually happen. They might be afraid of using the unit again.<br/><br/>Finding the perfect cat litter box may be a hard task and may require experimentation on the part of the owner. If the owner tries out a box which his pet really does not like, he should not insist on the cat using it. Though this experimentation may become tedious, it can be necessary to find the perfect box for your cat. Providing the cat its preferred litter box can bring good health and satisfaction to both owner and pet, and the carpet as well!<br/><br/><br/><br/><a href='http://'>Content - Members-Only Content for WordPress</a></div>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://tails-whiskers.org/?feed=rss2&amp;p=178</wfw:commentRss>
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		<item>
		<title>How To Care For Your Kitten</title>
		<link>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=188</link>
		<comments>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=188#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:52:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>tails-whiskers</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Communicable Diseases]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Household Pets]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Human Babies]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=188</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Paul P. Duxbury asked: Even if you have had years of experience with adult cats, taking care of a kitten is a whole new world. Kittens eat differently, sleep differently, and need time to adjust to changes both inside their bodies and in the outside world. Learn about a kitten&#8217;s basic needs and how to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left; padding: 12px"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/cc/kitten1.jpg"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/cc/kitten1.jpg" title='kitten' alt='kitten' /></a></div>
<div><em><strong>Paul P. Duxbury</strong> asked: </em><br/><br/><br/>Even if you have had years of experience with adult cats, taking care of a kitten is a whole new world. Kittens eat differently, sleep differently, and need time to adjust to changes both inside their bodies and in the outside world. Learn about a kitten&#8217;s basic needs and how to help your kitten grow into a happy, healthy adult cat.<br/><br/>Make Your Home Kitten-Proof<br/><br/>What, exactly, does kitten-proofing entail? Particularly if you already have older cats, what more do you need to do?<br/><br/>For one thing, kittens are much more active and curious than older cats. Like human babies, they often satisfy their curiosity by chewing everything in site. For this reason, you should purchase all-natural cat litter and not the clumping clay variety that is commonly used with older cats.<br/><br/>Another element of kitten-proofing your home is giving the kitten a safe place to be. This need not be an entire room, but it does need to be quiet and closed off from other animals. After a few days, give the kitten and the other animals some closely supervised time to get acquainted. If your new kitten has not been to the vet, keep it quarantined from other animals until you can be certain he does not have any infectious diseases. Give the animals a few weeks to get used to each other and do not push too hard; before you know it, the safe room will be a thing of the past!<br/><br/>The First Visit to the Vet<br/><br/>The first visit to the vet should take place shortly after you have gotten your kitten, particularly if it was a stray and you do not know its medical history. This is particularly important if you have other household pets that could be infected if the kitten has any communicable diseases. Until you take the new kitten to the vet, you will need to keep him away from the other pets.<br/><br/>At the veterinarian&#8217;s office, your kitten will undergo a detailed physical exam. This will include looking at baby teeth to determine age, measuring temperature, palpating organs, listening to the heart, brushing fur for signs of fleas, and checking eyes and ears. After the physical examination is complete, the vet will perform several tests, such as:<br/><br/>Fecal float checks for worms<br/><br/>Blood Tests check for FeLV and FIV viruses<br/><br/>Depending on your kitten&#8217;s age when you first take her to the vet, she may be vaccinated. Vaccinations take place at 9 to 10 weeks of age. Kittens are given a booster shot at 12 and 14 weeks and possibly a Rabies vaccine, depending on local laws or if your cat is considered at risk.<br/><br/>Two procedures that may be taken care of at different times are spaying/neutering and declawing. Some vets prefer to spay/neuter at a younger age, as it may be better for the cat. You need to make a separate appointment for this. Unlike spaying and neutering, declawing is a more debatable procedure. You should aim to understand more about the benefits and disadvantages of this procedure before you make a final decision.<br/><br/>Social Growth<br/><br/>In his first month and a half of growth, a new kitten experiences tremendous changes. Typically, new cat owners will not bring home a kitten until week 6, when it has been weaned off its mother&#8217;s milk. For this reason, typically new kitten owners will be more involved in the social growth than physical growth.<br/><br/>If the mother was comfortable with humans, the kittens will usually learn that behavior and learn to socialize easily with people. However, if your kitten has not become accustomed to being handled by humans by the age of six weeks, it will be difficult to train this behavior later, and the cat may always be somewhat more skittish than others.<br/><br/>Be sure to teach your kitten at a young age that hands are not toys, they feed, pet and hold the kittens.<br/><br/>Introducing Canned Food<br/><br/>Kittens need many more nutrients than adult cats. However; with smaller stomachs they must each more regularly. A six-week-old kitten should have four daily feedings until he reaches 12 weeks of age. From 12 weeks to six months, she can take three daily feedings. After that point, feed your kitten once daily, like other adult cats.<br/><br/>When choosing food, keep your kitten&#8217;s health top priority. Do not feed your kitten:<br/><br/>table scraps or milk<br/><br/>dog food<br/><br/>adult cat food<br/><br/>All of these may be easy options for you, the pet owner, but the kitten will not receive the nutrients she needs. Instead, feed her a well-balanced diet of food made specifically for developing kittens. Begin with canned food, which is more calorie-laden for energetic kittens. Later on, you can start supplementing with dry food.<br/><br/>Now that you have learned the basics of kitten care, bring home your new kitten and enjoy the time you spend together. She will be an adult cat before you know it!<br/><br/><br/><br/><a href='http://'>Content for WordPress</a></div>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://tails-whiskers.org/?feed=rss2&amp;p=188</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
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		<title>Cat Care</title>
		<link>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=182</link>
		<comments>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=182#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2008 01:34:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>tails-whiskers</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Litter Boxes]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Paws]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Ups]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=182</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Erik Willis asked: Below are some cat care tips we&#8217;ve compiled that will make life for both you and your cat happier and healthier.Handle your cat frequently. Some cats just don&#8217;t like to be picked up. If you can start handling your cat when it&#8217;s a kitten, chances are better that it will enjoy the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left; padding: 12px"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/cc/cat53.jpg"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/cc/cat53.jpg" title='cat' alt='cat' /></a></div>
<div><em><strong>Erik Willis</strong> asked: </em><br/><br/><br/>Below are some cat care tips we&#8217;ve compiled that will make life for both you and your cat happier and healthier.<br/><br/>Handle your cat frequently. Some cats just don&#8217;t like to be picked up. If you can start handling your cat when it&#8217;s a kitten, chances are better that it will enjoy the handling later in life. It will also be easier when it comes time for check-ups at the vet, having claws trimmed, etc. Also make sure you massage your cat&#8217;s feet and toes often so your cat gets used to having it&#8217;s paws restrained.<br/><br/>To prevent hairballs, improve the look of your cat&#8217;s coat, and give yourself an excuse to check on your cat&#8217;s well-being, groom your cat at least once a week. Most cats learn to enjoy the grooming process, although some will become over-excited by it and can only take so much.<br/><br/>Use weekly (or more frequent if possible) grooming sessions to examine your cat for common health problems. Check your cat&#8217;s gums, teeth, eyes, ears (look for signs of ear mites), skin, and limbs for possible problems. Check for signs of pain, swelling or injury. Clip your cat&#8217;s nails regularly. If your cat&#8217;s claws get too long, they may curve back into the toe pad. It&#8217;s also more likely that your cat&#8217;s claws will get caught on something if they&#8217;re not trimmed.<br/><br/>Every major cat care organization recommends keeping your cat indoors for safety, better health and a longer life.<br/><br/>One of the most important cat care tips is regarding the litter box. Place the litter box in a place your cat likes. The number one reason adult cats are brought to shelters is for unresolved litter box problems. Place the box in a relatively quiet area that your cat likes to frequent and make sure there are multiple escape routes. Also make sure to provide enough litter boxes for your cat. We suggest following the one plus one rule - one litter box for each cat in the house plus one more.<br/><br/>Play with your cat daily. Play with dangle toys and chase your cat around the house as much as possible. Get your cat exercising daily and it will help lower risks of diseases and minimize vet bills.<br/><br/>Give your cat at least 10 minutes of physical attention every day. Take time to pet, stroke, scratch or brush your cat for at least 10 minutes daily. It will calm and relax both not only your cat but you too. Recent evidence shows that contact with cats may actually reduce your risk of heart attack by as much as thirty percent! What a great bonus for giving good cat care!<br/><br/>Allow your cat to choose favorite spots to hang out around the house, then make them more comfortable with blankets and pillows..<br/><br/>Feed your cat premium cat food. High quality cat foods meeting AAFCO cat food standards will ensure that your cat gets a balanced diet with the right nutrients. Feline diets deficient in certain nutrients can cause diseases, including blindness.<br/><br/>Take your cat to the vet for a check-up at least once a year.<br/><br/>For more information visit http://www.animal-world.com.<br/><br/><br/><br/><a href='http://'>Content</a></div>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://tails-whiskers.org/?feed=rss2&amp;p=182</wfw:commentRss>
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		<item>
		<title>How To Take Better Kitten Pictures</title>
		<link>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=190</link>
		<comments>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=190#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:19:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>tails-whiskers</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[High Speed]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Love]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Shutter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=190</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Alex Marlin asked: I compare my kitten with my kids and the love for my kids is equal to the love I have for my kitten, and that is why I make time to take my kitten pictures as my kittens grown into a lovely adult cat.When anyone visits my home, they notice how well [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left; padding: 12px"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/cc/kitten2.jpg"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/cc/kitten2.jpg" title='kitten' alt='kitten' /></a></div>
<div><em><strong>Alex Marlin</strong> asked: </em><br/><br/><br/>I compare my kitten with my kids and the love for my kids is equal to the love I have for my kitten, and that is why I make time to take my kitten pictures as my kittens grown into a lovely adult cat.<br/><br/>When anyone visits my home, they notice how well groomed my kitten is, and how well treated, and they also notice the collection of pictures I have of my kitten, I place my kitten pictures all over my home.<br/><br/>Well, this article isn&#8217;t about me or my kitten, it&#8217;s about taking better kitten pictures, and here are 5 tips for doing just that:<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Always try to avoid sudden movements<br/><br/>If you wish to take better kitten pictures, then you should learn not to make any sudden movements and always use better quality high speed film, and use a digital camera with no shutter sound.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Lower your camera angle to the height of your kitten<br/><br/>Any kitten picture you wish to take, should be at an angle that is equal to the height of your kitten. This is for much better pictures and also some very cute ****** expression that your kitten shows once they start staring down the lens.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Always make sure your kitten is well fed<br/><br/>This tip is the most important of all, it is very difficult to take kitten pictures of a hungry kitten, they won&#8217;t stand still long enough for you to be able to get one shot. That is why it is so important to make sure that the kitten has just been fed, before you try to take any picture of your kitten. Wait at least 15 minutes after the you just fed your kitten. It is also very wise to study your kitten movements, that way you will be sure when you kitten naps, and what time is best to start taking your kitten picture.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Always have a couple of their favorite treats on hand<br/><br/>A tip I leant online, was to always have a couple of your kitten favorite treats with you, that way you will give them a treat anytime they start to get rowdy.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Try to keep thing simple<br/><br/>The best kitten pictures I have taken was when they least expected it. I try to keep things simple and never ever try to take too many pictures at a time. The kitten will become frustrated and walks away,and it is very difficult after that to get your kitten to stand still for any more pictures.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Now you that you have discovered a couple of my simple trick for taking better kitten pictures, you can visit my website and post those kitten pictures online, so the world can see the love we have for our cats.<br/><br/><br/><br/><a href='http://'>Create a video blog</a></div>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://tails-whiskers.org/?feed=rss2&amp;p=190</wfw:commentRss>
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		<title>line dancing kitten</title>
		<link>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=172</link>
		<comments>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=172#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:54:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>tails-whiskers</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Kittens]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Line Dancing]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Stinky]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Wings]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=172</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
ghanditw asked: 

a mr FLOX stinky wings production
http://hatetube.ning.com
http://davemaster999.ning.com FUN TUBEContent for WordPress
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left; padding: 12px"></div>
<div><em><strong>ghanditw</strong> asked: </em><br/><br/>
<div class="cc_video"><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pLRUo1Cm50Q&#038;hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pLRUo1Cm50Q&#038;hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></div>
<p><br/>a mr FLOX stinky wings production<br />
http://hatetube.ning.com<br />
http://davemaster999.ning.com FUN TUBE<br/><br/><a href='http://'>Content for WordPress</a></div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://tails-whiskers.org/?feed=rss2&amp;p=172</wfw:commentRss>
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		<item>
		<title>Cat Stuck in a Box</title>
		<link>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=145</link>
		<comments>http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=145#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:07:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>tails-whiskers</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Bored]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Dives]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Slippery Floor]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tails-whiskers.org/?p=145</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
SuperStupidVideos asked: 

Sometimes a bored cat just needs a slippery floor and a running start to have fun. We all know how cute it is when a cat dives into a box. The internet runs on cats diving into boxes. Well, this cat gets stuck, multiplying the cuteness tenfold.Content
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:left; padding: 12px"></div>
<div><em><strong>SuperStupidVideos</strong> asked: </em><br/><br/>
<div class="cc_video"><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HP3TyjOLfJk&#038;hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HP3TyjOLfJk&#038;hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></div>
<p><br/>Sometimes a bored cat just needs a slippery floor and a running start to have fun. We all know how cute it is when a cat dives into a box. The internet runs on cats diving into boxes. Well, this cat gets stuck, multiplying the cuteness tenfold.<br/><br/><a href='http://'>Content</a></div>
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