Cat Tips

You are viewing entries tagged 'recreation'.

Cats Around the House
Kisses and cuddles: How to have an affectionate cat
October 2nd, 2009
by Kelly Modzelewski, Dog and Cat Writer

   It has often been said that male cats are more affectionate than females. Thinking back on the cats in my life, that has certainly been the case for me, but I’m sure there are many cat owners who would disagree.

We do know that spaying and neutering cats makes them calmer and more affectionate, in addition to offering many health benefits.

If your cat, male or female, isn’t as cuddly as you’d like, consider these points which may make her more open for a hug:

1) Don’t force your affection on your cat. Chasing her and putting her in a headlock to pet her will only distance her.

2) Respect her space. Don’t crowd her on the bed or insist on carrying her around.

3) Be quiet and calm around your cat. They pick up on emotions.

4) Don’t tease your cat. They have very refined souls and know how to hold a grudge.

Kelly is a dog columnist and pet writer. She lives in the Boston-area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat.
Have something to add to this? Post a comment | 16 comments
See more Cats Around the House tips
See tips related by keyword:behavior, instinct, recreation

Breeds
Splishin’ & splashin’: Some cats love water
September 21st, 2009
by Tracie Hotchner, Author & Radio Show Host

   There are breeds of cats like Turkish Vans and Maine Coon cats that are notorious for being water lovers. Of course any domestic cat that shares some of the genes of those type of breeds may inherit this inborn tendency to want to play in water.

There are Maine Coons who will go into the shower their people; other cats will play in a washtub filled with water or a wading pool outside, so if you’re lucky enough to have a kitty cat who enjoys water sports, give him a place to indulge!

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.
Have something to add to this? Post a comment | 6 comments
See more Breeds tips
See tips related by keyword:instinct, playing, recreation, water

Uncategorized
Room with a view: Put a bird feeder outside the window
February 24th, 2009
by Tracie Hotchner, Author & Radio Show Host

   A bird feeder outside the window where a cat can look out – or outside an enclosed patio to which she has access – can be endlessly entertaining to a cat. She can spend hours watching birds come and go, plotting how to get at those birdies!
Have something to add to this? Post a comment | 0 comments
See more Uncategorized tips
See tips related by keyword:behavior, instinct, recreation

Behavior & Training
Better for sweaters than toys: Knitting yarn can be dangerous
November 4th, 2008
by Tracie Hotchner, Author & Radio Show Host

   We all love the typical “greeting card” image of a kitten batting around a brightly colored ball of yarn. However, unless the end of that yarn is very well knotted, a loose piece of yarn can prove to be a kitten’s undoing since a natural reaction is to put it in his mouth and start chewing. The problem is that a cat’s tongue is designed to send anything ingested in one direction only – down the hatch. So once a cat starts swallowing yarn, he cannot stop – as though it was one long piece of spaghetti – and it can twist around his innards and send him to the emergency after-hours vet clinic. Make sure your knitting is always safely stored in a basket you can close tightly.
Have something to add to this? Post a comment | 1 comment
See more Behavior & Training tips
See tips related by keyword:products, recreation, toys, yarn

Adoption & Rescue
Just Saying Hi: When Your Cat Comes Over to You, Don’t Assume It’s About Food
October 22nd, 2008
by Tracie Hotchner, Author & Radio Show Host

   When your cat comes over to you, do not assume it is about hunger and automatically offer up a treat. More than likely, she’s hungry for attention. So give her affection, play a game with her or brush her. She will learn that there are no more random hand-outs of food and she won’t expect food until her next meal. Also, playing stimulates appetite so she’ll be more motivated to eat when it is actually time to eat.
Have something to add to this? Post a comment | 3 comments
See more Adoption & Rescue tips
See tips related by keyword:behavior, feeding, playing, recreation

Behavior & Training
Brown Bagging It: Paper Grocery Bags Make Great Toys
October 9th, 2008
by Tracie Hotchner, Author & Radio Show Host

   One of the simplest – and most economical toys you can give your cat is a paper bag. Fold over the top of the bag so it has a cuff around all four sides of the opening, which will hold the bag open. Now set the bag on its side and watch your cat go in and out of the homemade playhouse. If you have more than one cat, the one outside the bag may want to ambush the cat inside and jump right on top the bag – driving out the first kitty, who will come flying out of the bag.
Have something to add to this? Post a comment | 0 comments
See more Behavior & Training tips
See tips related by keyword:products, recreation, toys