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You are currently browsing the The Pet Product Guru blog archives for the day Friday, January 29th, 2010.

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Archive for January 29th, 2010

outdoor-catCats may be predators but if your cat is an outdoor cat, it can quickly become prey. Bobcats, mountain lions, cayotes, foxes, raccoons and free roaming dogs all contribute to feline mortality. Large owls and hawks can consider cats fair game. If you live in Florida, crocodiles and alligators could put your cat in danger. Outdoor cats often suffer scratched eyes, torn ears and other injuries.  Young, old and cats that have been de-clawed are especially vulnerable. If your cat fights with a rabbit,bat, fox or rat, she could acquire rabies.  Bites and scratches from wild animals can transmit other potentially fatal diseases as well. There’s no way to cat proof the great outdoors. Indoor cats live three times longer than outdoor cats.  So buy some cat toys, a comfy cat bed and consider keeping your cat indoors. I would do it all the time but if your cat must go out, don’t let her out at night.

Cat Scratch Fever

Friday, January 29, 2010
posted by PetsRule

cat-scratchingAnyone that has a cat is probably familiar with frayed couch corners, torn-up blinds and shredded carpets; these are all a result of a cat’s scratching. And, if you’re cat’s scratching is annoying you, don’t think you can change the behavior–because you can’t. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats and we all know cats aren’t the best at taking orders. But, what you can do is attempt to control where your cat scratches.

Cats don’t understand physical punishment, so hitting your cat when she scratches is one of the worst things you can do. Cats also have good memories and though they won’t associate you hitting them with their scratching behavior, they will remember that you hurt them and hold a grudge.

Cats scratch for many reasons including; marking their territory, exercise and because it simply feels good. The best option in preventing kitty from shredding your most prized possessions is to provide her with her own cat scratching post. Cats prefer scratching on rough surfaces, so picking a post made of wood is the best option. Also, make sure the post is tall enough so that your cat can stretch to her full height. Lastly, make sure the cat scratching posts are stable and cannot easily be tipped over.