Lord Buffington
by Lowell Herrero
CAT ARTICLES
Tales from the Cat Whisperer - Cat Eyes
Clicker Training with a Clicker
How to Keep Your Cat or Kitten Amused for Hours
Cats and Pots
by Kate Holmes
Tales from the Cat Whisperer - Cat Eyes
Locally known as “The Cat Whisperer”, or alternatively “That Cat Lady”, I have a lifetime of experience studying and analyzing cat behaviour and what I call “cat-speak”. Cats do not have the proper vocal cords to speak English, but they have a highly complex vocal and gesture system which allows them to communicate in great detail with both humans and each other. This article focuses on cat’s eye gestures.
Have you ever paid attention to the movements of your cat’s eyes? Cats use their eyes to communicate with each other in many different ways that most people wouldn’t even notice. Let me give you one simple example. Have you ever called to your cat to get it to come to you and it acted as if it were not only of disproportionately low intelligence but also completely and utterly deaf? Next time, try this simple exercise with your cat. When you want your cat to come to you, or jump up on your lap, make eye contact with your cat for about 2 seconds, then shift your eyes to look at where you want the cat to end up (be it on your lap or beside you). Then immediately shift your eyes back to making eye contact with your cat, hold for one second, then look somewhere else. You may have to do this two or three times before your cat understands that YOU understand the whole “eye thing”. Pretty soon you will be able to do that without any hesitance on your cats part.
In the above exercise, what you did, in the easiest form for your cat to understand was to 1) Make eye contact with the cat (i.e. “Hey, you there, I want to talk to you”) 2) Shifted your eyes to a spot where you wanted him/her to go (i.e. “Look at this spot!”) 3) Shifted your eyes immediately back to the cat (i.e. “See that spot I just showed you..? It involves you can you go there please?”), and finally 4) Look at something else besides the spot or the cat (i.e. That’s all my request is for, I don’t have anything else to say besides come sit up there). It makes perfect sense when you think about it like that, but most people - having the relative ease of vocal cords that allow us to say and understand “Please come here” - don’t think in terms of nonverbal language.
Other things that a cat’s eye signifies are: * Eyes wide open and looking at you: “I’m listening.” or “Yes? You need me?” * Eyes half closed: “I trust you and everything around me, I’m secure.” or “I’m sleepy.” * Eye pupils in slits: “I’m feeling alert and confident.” * Bug-eyed: “I’m frightened.” or (if looking at another cat with this) “What in HADES are you doing?!?” * Blinking and winking: “I’m talking to you, I like you.” * Eyes clouded: “I’m ill.” Or, “I’m relaxed.” * Eyes staring at a person: “Stay away. I don’t wish to be disturbed” * Eyes staring at a wall: “I thought I saw something move!” * Looking at you then turning away “Oh, it’s just you”
Les Chats
by Theophile-Alexandre Steinlen
If you wish to make “friends” with a cat, the best thing NOT to do is to stare at it. Cats take staring as a personal challenge, as well as a confrontation. Much like you would with an aggressive dog, the best thing to do is to look away, or look downward. If a cat “allows” you to pet it, then if you close your own eyes, you are showing the cat that you are trusting him/her and want to be friends. Cats read our own eyes for signals they use themselves and therefore recognize (it’s a heck of a lot easier than that human-speak stuff).
So when around a furry feline, monitor your own eye movements and what they are saying to the kitty, kitty might just surprise you and start “talking” back!
Article Source: http://www.articlecat.com
Stephanie Davies is a 27 year old Missourian with a loving husband and an 8 year old son. She currently owns her own business, Mystickal Incense & More, and sells handmade candles, incense, bath & body products and more at www.mystickalincense.com
Trixie Cat
by Carlene Honeychurch
Clicker Training with a Clicker
Clicker training is a reinforcement or reward for a cat when training them. Clickers are use most often for support when training a cat for a reward. Cats associate the clicker with a good behavior they will use for a long time. Clicker training is associated with classical condition (they associate the sound with food.) and operant conditioning (cat performs movement to receive food).
Why use a clicker and not tell a cat or make a sound to get your cat to do a trick? A clicker has a sound a cat can hear and associate good behavior. With words, our tones in our voice can change from time to time, which a cat can become confused with the training. With talking for the commands, a cat could mistake the commands. With using a clicker, it is more of a training tool to get the behavior started with the cat. Then you can put the clicker away for that behavior or trick once a cat has learned the behavior.
When taking the cat out for a walk or on a trip, the clicker is a good item to carry along with you. Cats can get distracted with other people, or animals in the area. With using the clicker, it will reinforce the behavior that you have taught them. In addition, a clicker can help you with having your cat walk with you instead of wondering around.
Tug of
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With the clicker, a cat can be trained using three easy steps: Get a behavior, mark a behavior, and reinforce the behavior. Get a behavior is the first step. A good example would be for the cat to jump a hoop. The cat will have to know that when you click that they get a treat. Start with very small treats in your pocket. Clicks, Treat, Click Treat do this for a few times until you see the cat coming for the treat on the click.
Next marking the behavior. You will have to show the cat the hoop. Once the cat touches the hoop, click, treat. Then show the cat to go though the hoop once it does click, treat. Continue to do this until the cat goes though the hoop on its own or your command.
Reinforce the behavior. Remember to have snacks handy so when you do see your cat go though the hoop a snack is available. Training a cat with a clicker can be fun for both you and the cat. Taking steps in training will be rewarding to you and the cat. Try not to rush a cat in training, as they can become confused especially if they did not get the step before down. The training will take time and steps to achieve this behavior. Patience, love, and rewards will be the key factor in training your cat.
The clicker is a good exercises tool for a cat. 10 to 15 mins a day you should get your cat to exercises. For exercising, you can have the cat use a hoop, play with a toy, and climb on the scratching post or something that focus on the cat getting exercise. Exercises will help the cat to stay healthy and help to keep it out of mischief.
Chatlimaon Colimachat…..
by Aline Gauthier
Clickers can come with books to help you train, treats, and a clicker. Clickers come in many different size shapes, and color. You will want to research the clickers out. Check out a pet store, Internet sites give lots of information on training and using a clicker. Check out companies that make the clicker by using Internet to see what kind they offer and any additional information that you might need to get the process of training done. Check out articles about the clicker. Talk to someone that has used one. Talk to your area veterinary about training with a Clicker.
Once you have used a clicker, the cat will get good exercise and be a healthy cat . The cat will be happier and you will be happier with the new behaviors that you have taught your cat. To sum up training your cat, important things to remember is have patience, love and the clicker.
Article Source: http://www.articlecat.com
Burt Cotton www.catcarenews.org
Cat Clicker Training Kit This kit includes all you need to train your cat to come when called, stay off the table or counter, walk on a leash, play without biting or scratching, do tricks. Kit includes instruction guide, an i-Click, treats.
How to Keep Your Cat or Kitten Amused for Hours
Cats and kittens love to play. Kittens especially love to play and sharing your life with them is so much more rewarding if you play with your cat. It?s really great fun even if you do pick up the occasional scratch and it?s important for your cat?s fitness and well being too.
How do you keep your cat entertained? After all a cat is not the same as a dog, you can?t play catch or fetch with a cat ? or can you? To keep your cat enthralled and interested in playing with you, you need to have a challenging and ever changing environment. Now before you go off the deep end it?s not as bad as you think. All you really need to do is to have a few cat toys out at a time and rotate them to keep your cat interested. It doesn?t have to be expensive toys either. String, paper, balls and boxes are all great cat toys. Kittens use play as a way of learning. Its fun to watch your kitten carefully stalk a ball, pause, then pounce on it, which causes the ball to quickly scoot off. Your kitten will then chase it all over the house for hours! Even better is having two kittens and watch them play with each other, the toys, and pretty much anything that moves, including your toes!!
Cat Nap
by Joy Campbell
As with dogs you need to take care that the toys you give your cat are safe. Even though a cat is not as destructive, (generally), as a dog, cats can and do pull toys apart. Then they eat the bits. Make sure that the components of the toy are non toxic and have no sharp parts that can cut your cat.
Technology innovation is being applied to cat toys. There are toys being introduced such as laser pointers and even remote controlled mice. The problem with these is that most cats and kittens dislike the noise of the motor so remote control toys are not a big hit. On the other hand a laser pointer is a huge hit, your cat will chase that elusive red dot all over the house for as long as you can stand it. Beware, this can be frustrating for the cat though, as it can?t get its claws into anything so it can have an affect on your cat?s behavior over time.
To relax, what better than to put on a special cat video. Now your cat can sit and watch TV. These video?s and DVD?s are supposed to be very effective but do you really want to turn your cat into a TV addict?
The secret to keeping your cats happy and healthy is to continually challenge them physically and mentally. Don?t forget that cats like to jump and climb too. Some of the best toys are designed to be played with in 3 dimensions and you?ll be amazed by the acrobatics that your cat can perform. Use your imagination too. Try putting two toys together to make a new toy. Become creative and play with your cat on a regular basis. This helps strengthen the bond between your cat and you, keeps her mentally stimulated and physically fit. Your Reward will be hours of fun and pleasure and a fit healthy cat.
Article Source: http://www.articlecat.com
Mary Amos is a cat lover and long time cat owner. Find more articles and resources at Cat Toys and Articles
With the holidays right around the corner, you may be wondering what to get for the cat lover in your life. Whether they are a good friend, a co-worker, or your significant other, you can never go wrong by getting a feline fancier something that reminds them of their favorite animal! Here are some terrific ideas of cat themed gifts to assist you in selecting the best present for a cat-loving, loved one.
Practical Gifts
Some terrific cat themed gifts will actually be for the cat, rather than for your friend, but depending on the gift, your friend will probably love it! Scratching posts, small cat toys and pretty little collars are wonderful ways to let your friend know that you understand the importance of the cat in their life.Scratching posts have come a long way. They come in are many sizes, designs and colors. The recipient of this gift will probably thank you for saving the “life” of their sofa, couches and or chairs. More cat themed, cat lover gift ideas are books, videos, dvds, mailboxes, chimes, door knockers, handmade cat pillows, just to name a few. Practical gifts like these are perfect for a wide variety of different occasions.
The Cultural Cat
Felines have held honored places in many different cultures all around the world. There’s a good chance that you’ll be able to find cat themed gifts for the most discerning art collector by looking in this category. If your friend enjoys Asian art, what about a scroll decorated with Japanese brushwork kittens on it? If your friend favors a bolder look, take a look at the jaguars and ocelots that are so prevalent in Mayan and Aztec art and sculpture. Of course, when discussing cat themed gifts with relation to culture,give thought to what cats meant to the Egyptians. You’ll find plenty of reproduction earrings and necklaces featuring the cat-headed goddess Bast and many many statues of cats in all sorts of shapes and poses.
Soft and Cuddly
For the cat lover who might be living in an apartment or with an allergic roommate, a cat themed gift can definitely serve a dual purpose. Select a lovely stuffed cat from the wide selection. Having something soft and cuddly, can be a great help, especially if there was a recent move from a home that had a cat(s). Look online to find stuffed toy cats of every color and breed and make sure that your cat loving friend will have something to hold dear.
Bathroom Cats
Additional cat lover gifts are cat printed towels, soap dishes and shaped soaps that are available to brighten up any bath area. Also consider cat themed wall hangings in the form of three dimensional wall art, prints or photos. It can be nice to be greeted in the morning with a sweet cat shaped toothbrush holder, so take a look around for some lovely cat-inspired housewares! When you are shopping for a special cat fan in your life, there are plenty of options. Just remember to keep that someone’s personality, and preferences in mind to ensure the selection of the purrfect gift.
About the Author
Want to see a wide variety of creative and unique cat lover gifts? http://www.allthingscat.com/cat_themed_gifts_.html Sheri Davis Collins is a responsible pet owner for 20+ years, practicing holistic and homeopathic care.
Before you select a cat, you need to decide which breed is right, not only for you, but also for the rest of your family. So follow this short guide to help you with the selection of your new pet.
Vocal Breeds
Consider whether or not you would like a vocal companion. Seriously, some cats can be pretty noisy. And although you may not find this to be an issue, local neighbors - especially in compact apartment arrangements - can find this annoying, especially at night. Some cat breeds that are a bit heavy on the vocal side include: the Burmese, the Siamese Cat and the Korat. On the other end of the spectrum are: the American Curl, the Scottish Fold, and the Somali - all referred to as very quiet cats.
Cuddle Factor
You also need to consider if you prefer a cat that seeks attention and is cuddly. Or maybe you’d prefer one that is aloof? Cuddly cats need lots more attention, but also give you more back in return, too. And cuddly pets such as these are usually better around children. Some friendly cats are the Abyssinian, Tonkinese, Maine Coon, Snowshoe, Ragdoll and Himalayan Persian. More aloof cats include the Nebelung, the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Russian Shorthair.
Bad Hair Day
An important point to ponder is hair. Do you prefer long hair, not caring so much about grooming and shedding involved, or do you prefer to keep things simple with short hair breeds? Note: long hair can get matted and messy and require a trip to the groomer or vet for shaving - while the cat is under sedation. So consider whether you have the time, tools and patience to help with grooming regularly.
Age
Last but not least, decide if you prefer to raise your pet from early on; i.e. do you want a kitten? Or would you like to maybe help with a rescue of an older animal?
So to wrap it up, consider all of the factors above before you choose your new cat. Look over the different characteristics and the various cat breeds of interest before you begin to seek out your new pet. Check online for more information about cats. And reach out and call around to your local pet stores and to your local Humane Society chapter with more concerns you may have about cats.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-choose-the-right-cat-143479.html
About the Author: Renske Buursma, pet store owner with lots of helpful articles and a free newsletter about pet care at http://yourhealthypetsonline.com
Cat I
by Penny Feder
