CATS !

Homemade Cat Litter facemask!

2007-05-21T15:09:00.000+08:00

While browsing the net, I've come across this interesting article called "Homemade 'Cat Litter' Mask for All Skin Types".

Isnt it funny? Is it for real? This is the first time I heard about such thing.

"The beauty expert (Diane Irons, the author of several beauty books) swore cat litter is made of the same ingredients as special clays found in $100 spa facials. We tried this and loved it."

INGREDIENTS:

* 1 bag cat litter (must be marked '100 Percent Natural Clay')
* Water
* Drops of your favorite essential oil

PREPARATION:

(1)Mix in a couple tablespoons of the cat litter with water and drops of oil (we find the oil helps make the experience somehow less kitty litter-ish)

(2)Apply mask to face

(3)Wash off after 15 minutes.

Sounds interesting to me..but I will need some time to venture it!

Miaows!

Info source: www.beauty.about.com
From Julyne Derrick

Trimming the Claws

2007-05-04T17:16:00.000+08:00

I dun really fancy trimming the claws, coz my cats seem not to like it that much..and I'll usually end up in minor love scratches from my kitties..but no can do !

This time around, I'll be sharing some tips for trimming the claws for your feline, as per requested by a member named Marzie though. Thanks for the topic request yea! Here's for you...

Firstly, you'll need some basic tools for the trimming and some basic techniques during the trimming.

Gently stroke your cat's paws often, getting her used to having her paws held before you attempt trimming. Be sure to reward your cat with a special food treat-one that she receives only during claw trimming or some other grooming procedure-during or immediately after trimming. The best time to trim your cat's claws is when she is relaxed or sleepy. Never try to give a pedicure right after a stressful experience or an energetic round of play. Please!!

Your cat should be resting comfortably on your lap, the floor, or a table. Hold a paw in one hand and press a toe pad gently to extend the claw.

Referring to the pic above:

Notice the pink tissue (the quick) on the inside of the claw. Avoid the quick when you trim the claw; cutting into it will cause pain and bleeding.

Remove the sharp tip below the quick (away from the toe), clipping about halfway between the end of the quick and the tip of claw. If your cat becomes impatient, take a break and try again later, or even days after..

Many people hold the clippers at right angles to the nail, thus cutting across the nail. This tends to make the nail more subject to splitting or fraying. It is better to hold the clippers in a vertical position--that is, up and down, so that the claw is trimmed from bottom to top instead of across the nail. This position help prevent splitting.

If you accidentally clip into the quick, don't panic. The claw may bleed for a moment, but it will usually stop very quickly. Soothe your cat by speaking softly to her and stroking her head. If the bleeding hasn't stopped after a minute or so, try pat on styptic powder to help staunch the bleeding.

My personal tip:
I always clip the claws while my kitties are sleeping (a deep sleep, not a nap). It works every time !

If' your cat absolutely refuses to allow you to clip tier claws, the professional groomers and vets are always there for you :)

Miaowsss!!!

Info source: www.catscratching.com

Brushing Cat's Teeth

2007-04-25T13:03:00.000+08:00

Here some tips for you, on how to brush your cat's teeth ( Do you brush 'em?)

Note :
Do not overly restrain your cat. Keep sessions short and positive. Be sure to praise your cat throughout the process.

(1)
First, have your cat get used to you putting things in her mouth. Dip your finger in tuna water, chicken broth, or other liquid your cat may like. Call your cat with a voice that means "treat" and let your cat lick the liquid off your finger. Then rub your soaked finger gently over your cat's gums and teeth. After a few sessions, your cat should actually look forward to this and you can move on.

(2)
Now, place a gauze around your finger. (You can again dip it in the tuna water or other liquid.) Gently rub the teeth in a circular motion with your gauzed finger. Repeat this for the number of sessions it takes your cat to feel comfortable with this procedure. Remember to praise her and keep an upbeat attitude.

(3)
After your cat is used to having the flavored gauze in her mouth, you are ready to start with a toothbrush, dental sponge, or pad. We need to get your cat used to the consistency of these items, especially the bristles on a brush. So, let your cat lick something tasty off of the brush or pad so she gets used to the texture.

(4)
Once your cat is used to the cleaning item you are going to use, we can add the toothpaste (or rinse). Pet toothpastes either have a poultry, malt, or other flavor so your cat will like the taste. Get your cat used to the flavor and consistency of the toothpaste. Let your cat lick some off your finger and then apply some to your cat's gumline with your finger. Praise your pet.

(5)
Now your cat is used to the toothbrush and toothpaste and you are ready to start brushing. Talk to your cat in a happy voice during the process and praise your cat at the end. At first, you may just want to brush one or both upper canine teeth (the large ones in the front of the mouth). These are the easiest teeth for you to get at and will give you some easier practice. As before, when your cat accepts having several teeth brushed, slowly increase the number of teeth you are brushing. Again, by making it appear to be a game, you both will have fun doing it.

I always have a hard time to brush my female cats than my male one. Dunno why? Hmmmm..

Info source : www.drsfostersmith.com

Feline's Asthma

2007-03-30T16:34:00.000+08:00

I think my babybonn is having an asthma. But never brings her to the vet for diagnosis. Bad me :(

Feline asthma is a respiratory disease that is described as involving hyperreactivity, inflammation, and airflow obstruction of the airways that will spontaneously reverse or respond to treatment. In other words one of the characteristics of feline asthma is that it comes and goes and responds very well to steroid treatment. This article will explore the cause and treatment of this disease that appears to be very similar in both humans and felines.

Who gets it?
Cats between the ages of one and eight years are the most likely to develop asthma. Female cats are twice as likely to get it as male cats. It can occur any time of the year and there doesn't appear to be an increased incidence in any one season. It is estimated that less than one percent of all cats will ever develop feline asthma.

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms vary widely in severity and range from an occasional episode of coughing and wheezing to chronic and persistent coughing and wheezing. Cats often stand with their head stretched forward while they cough. Sometimes it may appear that they are coughing something up. In more severe attacks the cat may suffer from acute respiratory distress and open mouth breathing. In cases where the coughing is severe the cat may vomit after coughing spells.

What causes feline asthma?
There appear to be several different factors that may be involved in the development of feline asthma. Studies are currently being done to help further pinpoint the exact cause. It is felt that cats with feline asthma have a chronic inflammation of the tissues that line the bronchial walls in the lungs. The tissues may hyperreact to certain allergens, viruses, or infections, causing inflammation and increased mucous secretion. The increase in inflammation and secretions causes a decrease in the size of the airways and the symptoms worsen as a result. Allergens that have been linked to an increase in symptoms of asthmatic cats include smoke, insect and hair sprays, dust (flea powders, litter, carpet fresheners) feather pillows, perfumes, and Christmas trees. Other studies have shown that ragweed pollen may cause attacks. In addition some cats may have asthma attacks in response to food allergies, particularly fish based foods that may be higher in natural histamines. Bacterial infections, mycoplasma and viruses may also contribute to attacks of feline asthma.

How is feline asthma diagnosed?
Asthma is diagnosed through a combination of presenting symptoms, chest x-rays, and response to treatment. The chest x-rays can show inflammation of the bronchioles in the lungs. Improvement of the symptoms when injectable or oral steroids are used usually confirms the diagnosis if the symptoms and x-rays are indicative of feline asthma. Because there are many other diseases that can cause similar symptoms, a complete diagnostic workup is usually performed. A blood count and chemistry profile are usually performed in addition to a heartworm check. Occasionally a bacterial or mycoplasma culture is also performed.

How is it treated?
The mainstay of feline asthma treatment continues to be corticosteroid treatment. Most animals need to be on an every other day oral dose of steroids for the remainder of their lives. Others may only need treatment occasionally during flair ups. Long acting injectable steroids can be used in animals that are too difficult to pill. Because of the potential long-term side effects of steroids, the minimum effective dose given every other day is the goal with this treatment.

In addition to steroids, some veterinarians are using injectable or oral terbutaline to aid in bronchodilatation. Another drug that is also being used is cyproheptadine (Periactin), an antihistamine that blocks serotonin and smooth muscle contraction in the bronchioles.

There are also several drugs that are experimental and may be used in the future. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive drug that may have benefits in feline asthma. Another drug is Anti-Interleukin-5 Antibody. This experimental drug blocks the action of eosinophils and reduces clinical signs of feline asthma.

Info source :www.purinaone.com

My lovely Cats!

2007-03-19T12:59:00.000+08:00

No topics to share yet..Just uploading pics of The Love of My Life :)

My Ultimate Hero - MiuMiu

My First Lady - Girl

My Last & Only - BabyBonn

LOVE YOU!

Cats - Life Stages

2007-03-01T16:21:00.000+08:00

Hi all..its been a while since my last post here..too busy catchin up with my long holidaysss :)

I just wanna share with you, some general info on the cat's life stages.

Here are some normal behaviors for each cat life stage:

#Birth to 16 weeks
Just learning her way around, your kitten may be playful, but most likely shy. Click here for more information on how to care for your new kitten.

#16 weeks to 1 year
Your kitten will likely still be very playful and spunky. At approximately six months old, you should spay or neuter if you are not planning to breed your cat.

#1 to 8 years
Your young cat is in her prime. Remember your annual visits to the veterinarian.

#8 to 12 years
Your pre-geriatric cat may begin to slow down, but her behavior shouldn't change much.

#12+ years
Your cat is entering old age. You may begin to notice some health problems. Your cat will move slower if her joints begin to stiffen. She may also become easily irritated.

Final Thought
In any health-related issue, whenever you have concerns about your cat, consult your veterinarian. He or she is familiar with your cat and her medical history and has the professional skill and knowledge to identify and treat whatever might be the problem.

Info source : www.purina.com

Super Scoop Cat Litter

2007-02-05T17:10:00.000+08:00

After reading so much reviews about this particular cat litter product, I decided to give a try.

After running out of litter supply last week, I get myself into buying this SuperScoop Litter. It claims to control odor and the hard clumping factor makes it easier to clean the box. Here's the outlines of this product:

-Power of Arm&Hammer baking soda destroys odors on contact
-Clumps hard & fast to lock in odors
-Advanced clumping system to remove the source of odors easily
-Just remove waste-no need to completely change litter each time

After using it for 1 week, i did a check list from the above said criteria. And yes, it does perform like they say it is. It smells fresh and hygienic and does control odor perfectly! I'm so glad that my cats tolerate well with it. I was quite worried that my cats wouldn't adapt well and will spray/poo randomly in my house.

Im very satisfied , and willing to ignore the hefty price tag for its quality. Thumbs up !

Tips on Cat Food

2007-01-29T10:29:00.000+08:00

Holla catlovers!

This time around, I will share some tips/info on cat food. Basically, the basic nutritional needs for your cats are:
-Protein (from fish, poultry etc)
-Taurine (an amino acid)
-Certain Vitamins, Enzymes, Fatty Acids, Minerals
-Water

Cats dont really need carbohydrates, but carbo does exist as fillers for both canned/dry foods available for the cats.

I give my cats IAMS dry food; combined with WHISKAS canned food. They tolerate well with the combination. Its important for you to mix-and-match their meals from time to time, so they wont get bored over time.

Some facts on Dry Food VS Canned Food:

While dry food is convenient, and can be left out for "free feeding,"
Canned food contains water, and many cats do not drink water regularly
To ensure that your cat gets the right amount of nutrients. That "near-perfect" food you've selected might be adding too little (or too much) of certain minerals and/or vitamins.
Cats may actually become bored with the same food day in and day out, and simply quit eating. Face it, would you enjoy pizza morning, noon, and night, for years?
To head off possible allergies to certain ingredients. Cats (like humans) develop allergies over a period of time. Although the incidence of food allergies in cats is rare, cat owners might want to err on the side of caution, particularly if their cats have shown evidence of allergies in the past.
To prevent "food addictions." The Whole Cat Journal, in its October, 2001 issue, cites the case of a cat that was addicted to a particular flavor of a particular brand of cat food, right down to a specific factory and lot number! This kind of addiction can be difficult to deal with when that last can is gone, but can be easily avoided by feeding a variety of foods from the start.

Cheap Brands No Good?
Many owners do opt for cheap foods (as cheap as it can be) for their cats. For them, "hey! its only an animal!" But, if you're a serious cat-lover or pet owner, you'll think beyond that.Well, studies have shown that cats eat as much as they need to get the nutrients they require. Therefore, they might eat twice as much of that generously-carbohydrate-filled store brand to get the nutrients they need in a normal feeding of premium food. Second, the continued feeding of substandard foods over a period of years will heavily contribute to, or even cause, serious medical conditions that will require expensive veterinary care.

Avoid this on the label!

Words such as "By-products," "meat and/or bone meal," "animal digest," most other descriptions including "digest" or "meal," and added sugars.
Chemical preservatives, including BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, and propyl gallate
Corn meal as a filler
Excess of carbohydrate "fillers" (Dry food can contain as much as 50 percent grain)

So, all in all..it all depends on you...Dry or Canned? Cheap or Expensive? Good or Bad? Hmmmmm......miaoowssss!

OKO Plus Cat Litter

2007-01-17T14:55:00.000+08:00

OKO PLUS Cat Litter

I just wanna share with you here, the brand of Cat Litter that I'm using for my felines.

Its the wood-based, CAT'S BEST OKOPLUS.

Cat's Best Öko Plus is up to 3 x more efficient than conventional clumping kitty litter because the fluids are more effectively trapped in the capillary system of the natural plant fibers. Therefore Cat's Best Öko Plus can be used more sparingly and is thus also distinctly more economical than many other types of kitty litter.

The work of cleaning and filling the litterbox will be reduced to minimum because it stays in the box longer - thanks to its ability to trap odors without other irritating smells.

Traps odors extremely well
Can be composted and is 100% biodegradable:
Cat's Best Öko Plus is currently the only kitty litter that can be composted and is biodegradable. Therefore you can empty the litter box right into the compost or the bio-waste container.
100 % pure plant fibers:
Cat's Best Öko Plus uses the finest plant fibers, which come from untreated native fir timber. This timber continually accumulates; its use contributes to the maintenance of natural, healthy forests.
Easier to transport
Quality tested:
Even the independent product test commission Stiftung Warentest evaluated Cat's Best Öko Plus in April 1998 as having best quality and an outstanding price/performance ratio. Of the 19 evaluated clumping kitty litters, Cat's Best Öko Plus was the only ecological litter among test winners.

Its currently available at Pets Wonderland branches (KL, that is) , and also through the Online Pet Store at www.buddypetwagon.com (not to mention, cheaper here). But its quite pricey though, selling at RM40.90 at Pets Wonderland, and it can last up to 1+-2months (I have 3 cats! So, its quite economical for me).

So, I've tested it. Have you????

Brushes for Your Kitty

2007-01-17T10:36:00.000+08:00

I suppose, you must own one or more brushes for grooming your cat. But, do you even know what are the types and use of these brushes? Here are some info on these:

Basically, there are different types of brushes;

1. BRISTLE
This can be used on all coat types. Generally, the longer the hair coat, the longer bristles should be; and the coarser the hair, the stiffer bristles are needed.

2. WIRE-PIN
This is preferred choice, for pets with medium to long hair and those with curly or woolly coats.It comes with or without rubber-tipped ends.

3. SLICKER
This brush have fine wire bristles and are especially useful for removing mats and tangles.

4. FINE TOOTHED COMB
Combs are good for all but wiry coats. They are helpful at moving any small knots of hair. For more severe knots or mats, you need to use a matbreaker.

5. RUBBER CURRY
Made from rubber; effective at massaging the skin and removing dead hair. Excellent to use as final follow-up to a grooming session.

When brushing your kitty, be gentle and be patient. Be extra careful when removing the mats/tangles.

(Info Source : PetEducation.com)

I hate Cat Hairballs!

2007-01-12T16:18:00.000+08:00

Hey y'all..its been a while since my last post..anyway, hope its never too late all of you a Happy New Year :)

Okay, my first entry for year 2007 is about Hairballs! I simply hate them.

First of all, do you all know what are hairballs?

Scientifically or technically (hmm..whatever..), a hairball is known as "trichobezoar"; "tricho" means hair and "benzoar" means accumulation of indigestible material forming a lump in the digestive tract.

Cats prize themselves as being clean. They lick to clean themselves; all the time. But to them, its not ust cleaning. Kitty is trying to remove loose hair, too. The tounge of a cat has tiny barbs taht pulls loose hair from its coat. Some hair will be ingested and some will move through the digestive tract with no problems.

But, if too much is ingested, will make your kitty sick. This resulting in heaving and strange noises through the cat's nose and throat; sounds like muted cough/sneeze. Your cat will feel uncomfortable and starts to comfort themselves by cleaning/licking..again..

To prevent hairballs, brush your kitty regularly. Cats do enjoy this. You can trim the fur occasionally for the long-haired cat, as they sheds more. Some vets do recommend to feed your cat with a litle amount of grass daily. I guess, this is why I always spotted outdoor cats nibbles on grass often...

There are also cat food formulated specifically to reduce/ control hairballs. I once try IAMS formula for hairball control, but my cat seems not to like it .. There are also other hairballs remedies such as ointments, that help to break -up the hairball so its easier to pass..

Okay...so long..till next time..meowsss!

What is CatNip actually?

2006-12-26T10:33:00.000+08:00

Have you heard of CatNip? Is it true that its a drug to your catss?? Lets read some info about it here.

CATNIP (scientifically known as Nepatia Cataria)

Fresh leaves of catnip may have a mint-like scent, while the dried ones smell like alfalfa (i dunno exactly what it is, i only know its a type of plant, hehe). It has a chemical within the stem and leaves called Nepetalactone.

Historically, over 2000 years ago, the Romans used catnip for cooking and healing. During Middle Ages, catnip was used for treatment of nervousness, colds, and gastrointestinal complaints. It was introduced to the New World by early settlers who cultivated the herb for medicinal purposes and food. As America expanded, so did the popularity of catnip.

Ok, back with cats. How did cats become acquainted with it?? Some say the Egytians , known for their worship of cats, were probably the first to offer catnip to cats.Some suggest that since the Egyptian introduced domestic cats to the Middle Easr, they may have introduced the pleasing effects of catnip; too. Whenever a cat comes across this growing in the garden, he/she will often rub up against it and roll around it, in a sort of drug trip. Young kittens dont react much though, and often repulsed by it. They dont learn to appreciate it until they are over 3 months old.

The responsive cat approaches the palnt and sniffs it. He then proceeds to lick,bite,chew and rub it repeatedly. He may purrs, growl, meow, roll over and even leap about! - mimic the movements seen when a cat is in heat.

You can say that feline addicts are lucky enough, because they suffer no side effects from this. Unlike humans (yes!) do when they smoke weed/cannabis, somewhat a 'cousin' to catnip. Haha..

Catnip is easy to grow and the fresher it is, the more the reaction. Many toys are sold 'with catnip' , supposedly to encourage your cats to play with it. But I doubt these really work (maybe a little) , since the toys have been on the shelf for some time already. But I do, and still buy catnip spray or fresh ones for my felines. I love seeing them sniffing and rolling like no one's business!

Well, my cats do fancy the catnip! How about yoursss??

(info:www.penmarric.ns.ca)

Technorati !!

2006-12-26T09:59:00.000+08:00

Technorati Profile

Cat's Ear Mites! (part 2)

2006-12-21T11:27:00.000+08:00

Yup!! Thats ear mitess!!

How to treat them?

Gentle ear cleaning goes a long way towards correcting this problem. These ears are very sensitive, and the ear drum (tympanic membrane) might even be damaged. You might want to bring your pet to the vet to clean the ears, if its your first attempt.

Usually, after the ears are gently cleaned, topical medication will be given. This medication contains anti-inflammatories to soothe inflamed ears, antibiotics to minimize secondary bacterial infection, and an anti-paracidicital to kill the mites. Daily cleaning of the ears and application of medication is continued until the problem is resolved, usually 7-10 days.

According to vets, in some cats they will use an injectable medication called Ivermectin. This drug is especially useful in cats with ears that are too sensitive to clean, or in cats that it is unlikely that you will be able to clean the ears at home on a daily basis. (Yes, my stubborn babybonn!) Ivermectin is very effective and is used commonly, although a very small percentage of cats can have a reaction to this drug and develop central nervous system signs.

Ok, till next timee...Dun forget to check your cats ears several times weekly and clean them as often as needed...

Cat's Ear Mites! (part 1)

2006-12-21T11:02:00.000+08:00

Pesky Ear Mites!!! Does your cat have it?

These are the signs to look for:
-Persistent & excessive scratching around ears
-always shakes her/his head
-restless behavior
-brown material present in ears
-foul smelling odour!
-doesnt like to be touched on ear areas

(uh ohh...seems like my BabyBonn is havin' ear mites!!)

Okay..some info on ear mites..
This villain is a common parasite that lives on the surface of the skin lining in the ear canal.
Ear Mites pierce the skin surface to feed, causing inflammation and discomfort. If left untreated,
bacterial infections and loss of hearing may result.

Kittens can acquire an ear mite infection from their mother. Ear mites can be transmitted from one household pet to another. If ear mites are present in a multiple-pet household or a kennel or cattery, it is likely that if one animal is treated, the mites will move to another resident. The

When the cat shakes its head excessively, blood vessels may rupture and soft swellings form on the ear flap. This condition is called hematoma and immediate treatment is needed to avoid pain to your pet and possible ear deformity.

Good ear health is vital to the well being of your pet because ear problems can have very serious consequences such as:

Inflamed ears
Painful ears
Chronic Problems
Constant medication
Hearing loss
Discharge and odor
Intense scratching
Ear infections
Sores
Painful blood clots
Surgery
Costly vet bills

How to get rid of these pesky mites???? Stay tune ..

(Info : PETCARETIPS.COM)

Caring for Older Cats

2006-12-20T13:53:00.001+08:00

My SexyMama Girl here is about 6++ yrs old . Im not sure to categorize her as Older Cat, but she's the eldest feline in my house , though..

But I gotta swallow the truth, she is OLD and she acts like one. She seems like having a dementia ("mcm nyanyuk lar tu!) back these dayss..

Pee/poo in the kitchen/bathroom sink, in shoe/kitchen cabinets (yes! she opens the cabinet door by herself!), in plastic bags..oways meowing loudly in the middle of the dark .. *sigh* and the list goes on..

Okayy..how can you tell that your cat is OLD ? They can look much the same on the outside and she still adores to play mouse-catch with you. But we must consider the number of years that she's already been living through.

You might notice that older cats seems to nap a lot more, and its normal for them to sleep 18hrs a day! As a cat ages, her joints may stiffen and become difficult to move, making her lethargic about many types of activities, even her grooming ritual. But before you decide to do a thorough brushing for her, ask your veterinarian to make sure your cat's not seriously ill -- a lack of desire to groom can also be a sign of sickness.

However tempting it may be to treat her to table scraps, it's really not wise. Overfeeding a cat at any age -- especially with fatty foods -- is actually setting her up for obesity and related health problems in the future.

Above all, you'll need to start watching your geriatric cat very closely for hints of illness. After weeks of seeming healthy, a cat suddenly may display signs of being very ill, catching you, the owner, off guard. Too often, pet owners hope a small problem will go away, only to seek their veterinarian's advice when their cat is beyond help.

The best thing you can do is watch for signs and, if you spot anything amiss, visit your vet, at least!

Daaa~~~

(Info : PURINA.com)

Have you neuter/spay your feline?

2006-12-18T11:48:00.000+08:00

I've had my MiuMiu neutered a few years ago. Since he's the only male cat @my house, I didnt get Girl & BabyBonn spayed (oopss..Babybonn is about 5 years and shes a virgin!) ..

In case you are unsure about Neuter & Spay, here's some info about it.

"Female cats are spayed by removing their reproductive organs, and male cats are neutered by removing their testicles. In both cases the operation is performed while the pet is under anesthesia.

Depending on your pet's age, size, and health, he or she will stay at your veterinarian's office for a few hours or a few days. Depending upon the procedure, your pet may need stitches removed after a few days. Your veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you and discuss with you the best age at which to sterilize your pet."

WHy its GOOD to neuter/spay your pet?

Spaying and neutering helps cats live longer, healthier lives.
Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.
Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle.
Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.

So, why wait..if you havent get this done, consult your vet now yaaa...
Meoooowssss!!! -signing off-

Cat Fleas!

2006-12-16T13:08:00.000+08:00

Your cat has fleas? Well, mine does!

Scratching & Biting at the fur is a good indicator your cat has fleas. Upon close inspection of the fur & skin, you can see the fleas on your cat ( yes! the darn brown-colored insect). Its easier to see on light colored cats.

How to get rid of them?

I usually use SPOT treatment (Frontline brand) on my cats.

This usually cost me about RM50 (about USD 12) for 3 vials. Its avalaible at most pet stores/vets. Its quite effective compared to flea powders or flea collars. But it is important to follow instructions when applying the chemical onto your cats, because cats are very sensitive towards chemicals (and so do we!)

Its recommended that you apply the treatment to the area between shoulder blades; this is to prevent your cat from ingesting it before it has time to spread through the coat.

Besides that, I always enjoy to handpick the fleas, too! Haha..
Oh well, my cats do have fleas apparently; I will need to stock up on Frontline later. I guess I will be broke by RM50 today ..

Till next timee...*purrrsss*

Litterbox Tips

2006-12-16T11:11:00.000+08:00

This is Miumiu's mama..so called Girl.

She's quite old already..about 6 years ++ . She's so forgetful nowadays..and very clumsy. I supposed this is due to her aging process, haha. She always pee in the kitchen/bathroom sink , poops in her foodbowl..and the list goes on (phew!) And yuppp...she hardly uses the LITTERBOX!

But here's some tips on Litterbox issue (regardless my Girl's case)

Place the litter box in a clean, relatively quiet and accessible location. Keep it away from high-traffic areas and be sure your cat has access to it any time she needs it. Be sure to keep the litter box out of reach of children as well as the other animals in the household.

Show kitty where it is. Place her in the box and let her sniff. Some people have found it useful to rake their fingers through the litter to show their cat what they want her to do.

If you have more than one cat, consider a separate litter box for each. Cats generally don't like to eliminate in the same place as other cats.

Keep the litter box clean. Scoop out soiled litter daily, and change the entire box every week, putting in fresh litter. You can wash out the box with a solution of water and vinegar to help reduce the odor, and then add a little baking soda to the litter itself. An inch and a half of fresh litter is usuall plenty.

Don't place her litter box near her food and water. Cats don't like to eliminate where they eat. (hmmm..but girl poops@foodbowl!)

Clean any accidents immediately. If kitty does have an accident, clean the area right away with a half and half solution of white vinegar and water. This will help to eliminate the odor and hopefully prevent kitty from returning to that spot.

Never punish your cat for having an accident. Do not strike her or rub her nose in the mess; Instead, firmly say "No!", then place her in her litter box and praise her there.

Hope this helps! Meooowsss

Cats need bath, too

2006-12-15T16:25:00.000+08:00

This is one of my cats , so-called BabyBonn. She's the most mischievous one..and she hates Bathing..

Okayy...lets get it goin

Just a tip on bathing your cat.

Giving cat a bath can be very easy or very difficult (tremendously easy on my miumiu), depending on the cat temperament (darn babybonn!).

Remember that cats, unlike dogs, have five weapons: four sets of claws and teeth!

STEP 1: Adopt a calm, positive attitude before and during the bath'it will help ease your cat's anxiety.

STEP 2: Consider trimming your cat's claws beforehand to reduce your risk of getting scratched

STEP 3: Bring your cat into the bathroom. Close the door and keep it closed until you are finished.

STEP 4: Fill the bathtub/sink with enough lukewarm water to cover your cat's paws.

STEP 5: Gently set your cat in the tub/sink.

STEP 6: Give your cat free rein in the bathtub using minimal restraint, but gently hold on to the back of her neck if she tries to escape. (scuff him..good boyy..good boy)

STEP 7: You can try to apply a drop of baby or olive oil to your cat's eyes to prevent irritation from the shampoo.

STEP 8: Scoop water in a plastic cup, and pour it over the cat until her fur is wet, making sure to avoid her eyes.

STEP 9: Apply a regular shampoo made for cats, or a flea shampoo if needed, and rub it into the cat's fur. Use caution around the eyes.

STEP 10: Hold your cat under the faucet or scoop clean water over her to rinse.

STEP 11: Quickly pat or rub your cat dry with a towel ( i use a large towel for miumiu, he likes to be cuddled with the towel :) )

STEP 12: Comb through your cat's fur to spend quality time together as she dries, then give her a special treat such as catnip or kibble for a job well done.

Be sure to remove all soap when rinsing, since cats will groom themselves and ingest anything left on their fur.

Understanding your cat's body language

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On Patrol of Territory

Perked ears indicate curiosity
Tail provides balance
Whiskers measure width
Sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance with a distinct smell
Paws planted firmly and confidently on the ground
Paw pads act as shock absorbers

Ready To Take Action

Tail acts as a counterbalance as center of gravity shifts forward
Smooth body fur indicates confidence
Forward ears show assertiveness
Dilated pupils indicate excitement
Concentrated expression
Hind legs bent, ready for action

Relaxed and Content

Each whisker is used for sensory perception
Direct eye contact demonstrates trust
Tail in relaxed position
Slanted eyes indicate contentment
Nose pad receptors
Ears always attentive

Info source : PURINA.com

Your cat sleeps too much?

2006-12-14T15:36:00.000+08:00

My cat sleeps all day long...why???

Thats plainly because...Cats like to sleep :)

According to PURINA.COM,
Don't worry if your cat seems to sleep a lot. On average they sleep 16 to 18 hours per day! Research shows that cats do enter a stage of sleep in which dreams occur. Their brain activity indicates that they have dreams, but the real question is, "What do cats dream about?" Hehehe

And the specific personality and breed of the cat will determine where the cat chooses to sleep. In my case, my miumiu is a mix-persian breed. And persian breed is quite a lazy type..so expect a straight 2-figure number of hours nap from them!

Some like to be in secluded places where no one can disturb them. They like to lie in high cupboards and similar places. Other breeds of cats like to sleep in places where everyone is converging. These cats like to be noticed. So they sleep at the center of the foyer, in the middle of the stairs and even on the couch, especially when there are guests. Yeapp..sounds like my 'Oh so vain' felines..

Nonetheless, as cats get older, they tend to sleep more. But be sure that, if he/she wakes up, she is alert and active. If your cat is eating and drinking okay, using the litter box okay, and seems fine otherwise, no need to be too concerned. If the sleeping all day is a relatively sudden development, however, and you’re concerned, I’d zip the cat over to the vet for a quick examination.

DO YOU KNOW???
The cats natural low frequency purring is known for it´s exceptional therapeutic calming and stress relief effectsand has a natural steady lulling rhythm, during both inhalation and exhalation with a consistent pattern and frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz. The low frequency purr vibration is spread throughout the body.This makes you deeply relaxed and will help youor your child to fall asleep.

Are you cat-natics?

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Are you a cat lover? Well, I do ! If you're one, you'll treasure my portal for sharing information and thoughts about the lovely felines. You will know and understand the laughter, the joy, the companionship, that your cat can bring to your (our) life..well..some people dont just understand this..including some of my friends and family members.

If you are not sure whether you are a freaky CAT PERSON (like i am) or not, make a checklist from below stats:

[1] You take your cats name as your online name ( yes, I do)

[2] You dare not move a muscle when a kitty falls asleep at your feet

[3] You cried more than your cat did the day you dropped him at the vet's to be neutered

[4] You sleep in the addest positions, just so you can accomodate your cat, even if he/she chooses to plonk itself in the middle of your bed

[5] Furs on your black velvety jacket, getting stray particles of kitty litter from your cat's paw doesnt really bother you

[6] If you own more that 1 cat, you can tell which cat threw up@ pee @ by just a hint of smell or looking at the pile (funny, but this is true)

[7] You constantly go the grocery in a hurry, just to get cat food/litter before the grocery closes

[8] When someone else yells at your cat (or any cat), you'll get annoyed and will say "Hey! She/He's only a cat"

[9] You have a normal conversation with cats , and you think its normal

[10] You think that they understand you and communicate back

[11] You take more pics of your cat, than your own

[12] Your cats are all you are thinking when you're away from them (i.e holiday)

[13] Your cat eats the most expensive cat food available, but you subsist on Instant cupnoodles for dinner

[14] You refer yourself as Mama or Sister when communicating with your cat

[15] Your cat has more nicknames than you (or your other half) do

[16] You spend a date telling your date all about your cats and nothing about yourself

[17] You post pictures of your cat on your webpages and your spouse has no picture posted!

[18] You dont mind sharing your meal with your cat

[19] You've stopped caring about the amount of fur on your clothing on the rare occasions when you go out in public

[20] You actually read every single words herewith :)

So, if you say YES for more than 10 stats above, you're a serious cat fanatic like I do !
Stay tune for more updatess...Thanks

*miaoowwss*