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Cat Life Stages: Kittenhood
Cats go through three main stages of aging: kittenhood, maintenance years, and senior years. Their nutrition needs, activity levels, and veterinary care will vary during these three stages.
2000 - 2009: The Age of Awareness for Cat Lovers
As cat lovers look back on the years from 2000 to 2009, certain events stand out as hopeful trends for the health and well-being of cats in general. I've listed those events I consider particularly significant, and readers will be invited to add those I may have missed.
Dumbest Mistakes With a Cat
We humans are prone to making mistakes and there isn't a cat alive who won't take advantage of that propensity. One of my dumbest mistakes was when Jenny kept finding my hiding places for da Bird cat wand, even on top of a 5' dresser. She pulled down the wand along with jewelry and perfume bottles. Here is your chance to share your own "dumb mistake with a cat" story, using an easy fill-in-the-b…
Things Cats Hate - Share your cats pet peeves with other readers
My Jenny hates that I can't spend enough time with her, and that she's cooped up in a bedroom because of our aggressive alpha cat, Jaspurr. She lets me know her displeasure with typical tortitude by swatting at me when I turn to leave after short visits. Read my associated article, then share the things you do that your cat hates in this form
Am I Ready for a Cat?
Thinking of adopting a new cat? There are a number of factors to consider before rushing into a decision that you may regret later. The fact is, too often pets acquired by impulse quite often don't work out, and this is especially true with cats, who often have their own agendas. It's not the same as buying a used car, which can be returned if it doesn't run right. Rather, you could compare it to…
Jill Cordes's Tips for Becoming a Greener Cat Owner
Jill Cordes writes a guest article for About.com Cats revealing Tips for Becoming a Greener Cat Owner.
How Old is my Cat?
The fact that cats develop and age so rapidly in a short time is both fascinating and sad to the people who love them. Kittens develop to the age of a 15 year old human child in just the first year of their lives. An adult cat in the prime of his life at 32 human years is only four years old. Shocking, isn't it?
The reality is that even relatively long-lived cats don't live as long as we'd lik…
Glossary of Feline Terms
Are you sometimes confused when reading articles about cats? Do you roll your eyes when you read words like 'obligate carnivore,' nictitating membrane,' or 'idiopathic?' Help is here with my glossary of feline terms. Knowing the terminology will bring you a long way toward better understanding of your cats.
Cats Top Pet Peeves
Have you noticed your cat acting particularly grumpy lately? Does kitty's body language show he is peeved about something? Take a look around; you may find yourself responsible for your cat's bad attitude. For example, does his litter box smell like a construction area portable toilet? Find out more cats' typical pet peeves and make friends with your cat again.
Checklist of Information for Your Cat Sitter
Cats are usually happier in their own homes when their human companions have to leave for a few days, with a trusted friend or professional pet sitter to check in on them at least daily during your absence. It's important to make sure the surrogate caregiver knows exactly what to do for your cat, both in terms of routine care and in case of a veterinary emergency. This printable Checklist for Your Cat Sitter will prove useful for that purpose.
Cats Grooming Supplies
While cats are basically self-cleaning animals, there are times when they definitely need human assistance, in the form of claw trimming, detangling mats, routine brushing for prevention of hairballs, dental care products to help prevent tooth decay and loss, and the occasional bathing when they've rolled in something nasty. It pays to keep a kit for storing all those needed supplies, so that you don't come up short in an emergency. This list includes some of my own top choices.
Most Predictable Feline Events for 2007
Years come and years go, but the world of cats evolves very slowly. Because of this, it is safe to make these predictions for the coming New Year.
Can you send me this email lesson?
How to retrieve missing lessons from the About.com Cats Email Courses.
Cat Care Survey
How experienced are you in the care of cats? Do you consider yourself a good cat parent? Participate in this survey and compare your answers with those of other cat lovers.
Top Myths and Misconceptions About Cats
The Internet abounds with myths and misconceptions about cats; stories such as 'cats need to be outdoors to be healthy' and 'it is better to let a female cat have a litter before spaying.' These are only two of the myths about cats that are listed here in my own top picks.
Cat-Friendly Resolutions for a New Year
The start of a new year is traditionally the time to make resolutions for improvement. These are my resolutions for helping to make a better year for my cats and our shared home.
Can you answer my cat-related question - Cats FAQ
Most cat-related questions can be answered by checking the Cats site at About.com. Here is a quick way to find answers to most cat-related questions I receive by email.
Free Email Classes on Cat Care
New to cats, or thinking about getting a kitten? Concerned about the health of your senior cat, or the quality of food your furkids are eating? These free tutorials will help you give your cats the very best of care, and you can set your own pace.
A Pet Owner's Guide to Pet Sitters
With the dawn of the pet sitting industry, it is important to thoroughly investigate pet sitters before hiring one. Mary Anne Miller offers sound advice including a check list of questions to ask a prospective pet sitter, and details to remember before leaving on your trip.
How can I cat-proof my electrical wiring - FAQ About Cats
My new kitten is fairly interested in the wires behind my TV and connected to my computer (these are all connected to the same surge protector. I am very concerned about this. Please help me, I don't want to come home from work to find a zapped kitty! FAQ from About Cats.
Destructive Scratching
Fortunately, there are compromises to destructive scratching that offer you and Tiger a win-win resolution. An often used psychological tool with children applies equally to our furry friends: discourage bad behavior and encourage/reward desirable behavior.
How to Prevent Litter Box Problems
Changes in your cat's litter box behavior can almost always be traced to a medical condition, stress, or something she dislikes about her litter box environment. Fortunately, a little know-how and preventive maintenance can greatly reduce the chance of litter box problems.
My Cat Ran Away
In order to find your cat, you need to consider the possible reasons for his absence, many of them distressful. However, this is the time to set aside emotions and to rationally evaluate the possibilities, with an appropriate action for each.
So Your Cat is Pregnant
Where do you go from here? Your first major decision is whether or not to allow the condition to continue. If the answer is "yes," here's help in knowing what to expect in the next two months.
The Great Indoor-Outdoor Debate Revisited
Next to declawing, the indoor-outdoor question is probably one of the hottest topics for debate, with both sides polarized to their own views. Having been on both sides of the fence, I can fully understand the feelings of those on each side. Indeed, this debate seems to be more prevalent in the United States, as in many other countries, cats are allowed free access to the outdoors.
Tips for Choosing Cat Food - Learning the Basics about Cat Food Labels
The ultimate purpose of this series is to help you learn how to read cat food labels to make your decision process easier in choosing the best foods for your cat
What to Do About Hairballs
Although hairballs may be the topics of jokes among thoughtless humans, they are a source of discomfort or worse, for cats. Learn how to recognize hairball problems and how to help your cat get rid of them
Any Medication for Cats Shedding?
I have two white cats and need to know is there anything you can do about shedding? I vacuum twice a day. I've brushed too. I thought cats shed in the summer. Am I wrong? Is there any medication to give them?
Is Milk Okay for my Cat?
My cat enjoys milk, and I give her a small amount two or three times a week. Will this help or harm her? I've read somewhere that milk is not good for cats.
How Does My Cat Garden Grow?
Gardeners generally fall into two categories: those who enjoy watching their cats sniffing and luxuriating in the greenery, and those who would be happiest if cats just gave their gardens a wide berth. We'll try to address both those needs.
Top Tips for Summer Health for Cats
Summer doldrums hit our cats as hard as they do us humans. Learn how to keep your cat healthy, safe, and comfortable during the dog days of summer
Weight Loss Normal?
I notice that my cat seems to be losing weight. Is this common in the summer because of the heat and shedding?
Special Needs Cats' Stories
Special needs cats, or "other-abled" cats often need special care, and are all the more special to their caregivers. The one thing all special needs cats share is the fact that they can be loving, active cats, despite what we humans might call "disabilities." Read stories about other special needs cats, then share your own.See submissions
A Cat Care Guide for Blind Humans: How to Care for Cats You Can't See
Mario is completely blind and is the sole caregiver of four cats, plus another recently adopted outside cat. He lost his sight gradually, from his early times. Mario was able to work as a software engineer for 16 years, retiring when new technology and declining sight became an impossible combination. Mario generously offered to share his cat care tips to other readers who are sight impaired, or may have family or friends who are. Actually, every cat mom or dad will benefit from Mario's Advice.
