The Online Guide to... Cats

Tonkinese cats are an owner’s delight

Tonkinese cats are a hybrid breed between the stocky Burmese & the svelte Siamese breed of cats. Having acquired the best traits of both parents, and evolving sure agreeable ones of their own, the Tonkinese or Tonks rate quite high on the popularity scale.

Taming feral cats can create new problems

Taming feral cats is difficult because most of these cats have either had no interaction with human beings or else they have had a negative interaction, and have become distrustful.

The Siamese cat is a delight to behold

The Siamese cat is the most popular shorthair breed in the world today. It has come a long way from the ancient city of Siam (now Thailand) to Britain and finally to America (this happened in the 18th century).

Persian cats are the Queen of Cats

Persian cats form the top end of the feline spectrum. They are regal in behavior, and undoubtedly an owner's pride and joy. What's more Persians are extremely mild-tempered and easy-going cats. They are social creatures, and seek human attention and affection.

Maine Coon cats are gentle giants

Maine Coon cats are gentle giants; they have easy-going temperaments and enormous, bodies. These cats are second in popularity only to the Persians; and are, in fact, the original true-blue American breed.

Keeping a cat occupied needs time and effort

Keeping a cat occupied is an onerous task. It requires an understanding of their needs, and making an effort to fulfill those needs. Every cat owner must realize that cats get bored easily.

How to train your cat

You need 2 qualities to train a cat: patience & technique. The training will proceed even more smoothly if you reward your cat for picking up a trick.

How to keep cats from scratching furniture

One question that worries all cat owners is: How to keep cats from scratching furniture? Fortunately, training your cat such that it sticks to its scratching post instead of your expensive furnishings is not that difficult a task.

How to handle aggression in cats

Aggression is not an uncommon emotion in cats, & is displayed both by pet cats and kittens. That is why all pet owners should know how to handle aggression in cats.

How catnip affects cats

It is not clear how catnip affects cats but it's invariably a revelation to see a cat react to catnip, a plant that smells strongly of mint. The cat goes into throes of ecstasy & excitement, behaving as if it were on drugs.

Grooming cuddly kitties is fun

Grooming cuddly kitties is a dream every cat owner nurtures. However, given the varying personalities of cats (ranging from independent to aloof to downright hostile), this dream may not always come true.

Don’t scrimp on grooming cats

Grooming in cats is required for two basic reasons. The first is cleanliness and hygiene; and the second is food habits and table manners. Both are equally important, and need your full attention.

How to avoid common cat rearing mistakes

If you are bringing a cat home for the first time you must avoid falling prey to sure common cat rearing mistakes. You must remember that cats are creatures that require regular care and can be extremely temperamental.

Cat toys are the best way to keep your pet occupied

Cat toys are a great way to keep your cats entertained and occupied. They consistantly arouse the cat's curiosity and they spend considerable time chasing, twisting, mangling, playing with the toys.

Cat’s eyes are a fount of mystery

Cat's eyes have perpetually been a subject of mystery and fascination. They have been perceived as beautiful, mystifying, captivating and even scary. Not only can cats 'control' their eyes very effectively, but also can respond very efficiently to their environment because of their eyes.

Cat’s body language can help you decipher its moods

A cat's body language is indicative of its moods and needs. Since cats cannot communicate through verbal means, it is essential that you understand what your cat is trying to tell you by its body language.

Can cats live with other pets?

Cats by nature are independent & solitary creatures and you must be cautious whenever you introduce your cats to other pets. You must make sure that there is no hostility or unease among them.

Points to keep in mind while buying a cat

When it comes to buying a cat there are several options attainable. You can purchase a cat from a pet store, animal welfare agency, cattery, breeding home, or from friends and people known to them.

Bringing a new cat home

Bringing a new cat home when you already have a cat as a pet requires careful planning. Cats are highly independent & solitary creatures, and chances are that your residential cat will not easily accept your new pet to share its house and space.

Declawing cats is indefensible

Declawing cats is not a simple procedure like clipping nails or removing a portion of a cat's claw. Declawing is a major surgery involving surgical amputation of the first joint of a cat's toe & should not be taken lightly.

Cat bites can cause severe pain & inflammation

Unlike dogs, a cat's bite is worse than its mew. You are rarely warned, and can become victims of cat bites even while playing with a house cat. The bite wounds need to be treated immediately to avoid further complications.

It took long, but American Shorthair cats have won their deserved respect

American Shorthair cats are the true-blue, American felines. Although these cats fall in the purebred category, they are still the most common & randomly found cats in the country.

Adopting a cat brings in several responsibilities

Adopting a cat is by no means an easy decision. It brings with it the added responsibility of taking care of a cat till its death, which could be anywhere between 15 to 20 years.

Traveling with cats needs meticulous planning

Traveling with cats is not easy. Your cat may not like to be cooped in an automobile for hours at end; the motels on your route may not be willing to enable cats as guests; you may be disallowed entrance into states that insist on vaccination certificates for pets.

When not to get a cat

A cat should not be bought on impulse. There are several factors that must be considered before buying a cat.