Can Feral Cats Be Tamed

Posted on October 28, 2011 by TC

Can Feral Cats Be Tamed

Feral cats are cats that are born in the wild. They differ from stray cats as these were once domesticated and then left to their own devices. However once a kitten is born to a stray cat then the kittens are considered feral.

Feral cats are different from stray cats. Stray cats are usually the product of a person’s irresponsibility. Irresponsibility could be defined in two ways when it comes to strays: dumping a cat to fend for itself and/or neglecting to spay and neuter their cats. Stray cats can be timid, but are often easily tamed. Feral cats are cats that were probably born to wild parents and are wild themselves. Feral cats have had no human interaction and are very difficult to tame.

Because feral cats are difficult to tame, thus making them undesirable indoor pets, there are many rescue organizations that are dedicated to the trapping and spaying and neutering of feral cat colonies. Many times, these organizations trap the cats, have them spayed and neutered and then release them near where they were originally found. Then, they dedicate themselves to providing food to these colonies.

Feral cats are everywhere. You can find feral cats in rural or farm areas, abandoned buildings and even parks and alleyways. You might catch a glimpse of them, but chances are that you would not be able to catch them easily. After all, they have not been around humans so any contact would make them shy away from you. If you have feral cats in your neighborhood, you may wonder whether these animals can be kept as pets.

Taming a feral cat can be a difficult proposition simply because they are not accustomed to humans. Depending on the level of their interactions with humans, some cats might be classified as semi-feral, total feral or even a converted feral cat. Depending on what your cat is classified dictates your potential success in socializing it. In addition, it takes a lot of time, love and patience to tame these cats.

If you find a cat that is has been feral for a years, chances are that there is little to no chance of socializing it. With no human contact at all, these cats are overly independent and would never depend on a human for food or companionship. You might have better success with a cat that is semi-feral. In these instances, they have had some limited human contact. A converted feral cat would probably have the best chance at a normal life as someone’s pet. These cats were once domesticated, meaning that they probably started life as a pet and then was abandoned. The converted feral cat will more than likely eventually respond to human interactions such as love and affection.

If you want to attempt to tame a feral cat, remember that it can be hard work reaching out to the feral cat and getting them to trust you after being on their own. Sometimes, your efforts will not pay off for months, especially with older cats. If your attempts are a success, the rewards are well worth it because a strong bond can develop and loyalty and love is the reward.

If you believe you have the time and the love to attempt to tame a feral, there are some things to remember. First, these cats see you as an intruder and are very likely to spit, hiss, bite and claw. This is a normal response as they are defending themselves against a perceived predator – you. If they manage to get in a few bites or scratches, you should apply first aid immediately.

After you have successfully trapped a feral cat, your very first step is to get it to the vet for spay or neuter and to check for any diseases it may carry. This is a necessary step and an absolute must if you have other pets in the house. After you have arrived home with your cat, you need to let it adjust to you and the surroundings by giving it a small, safe place to stay. Allow the cat to stay in a small bathroom or laundry room, where it does not feel overwhelmed. You will need to take time every day to spend time with the cat and allow the cat to adjust to you.

Remember, not all feral cats can be socialized; however with love and patience, your time and efforts may be worthwhile. If you really want a cat it would be better to consider a cat from a shelter. There a hundreds of cats in shelters that need homes.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Cats | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , |

Cats And Hand Biting

Posted on October 19, 2011 by TC

Cats And Hand Biting

Cats and hand biting are a common thing with cats. Most cats will simply walk away when they have had enough attention from you. Others, however, will nip at your hand. Why do they do this? You aren’t hurting him, just stroking, so it can get confusing.

Some cats become over stimulated easily. The stroking gets them wound up and then they bite to relieve some of the tension. Others just never learned that biting was inappropriate behavior. There is no consensus on exactly why some cats bite and others don’t, but there are some warning signs you can look for that may help you prevent being bit.

Watch your cat’s tail. If the end begins twitching, this is a sure sign the cat is getting irritated. Unlike dogs, cats do not wag their tails. Another sign to look for is ear movement. Every cat owner is familiar with the flattened ears of an angry cat, but by that time, it is too late and you are nursing a bite. Watch for the ears to start turning to the sides. This is an indication your furry friend is getting agitated. Stop stroking now and you can prevent getting bit.

With cats that have a tendency to bite, it is good to follow what has been dubbed the seven-stroke rule. Allow yourself to stroke your cat only seven times to start. Then stop. This is usually short enough not to create agitation. Eventually you can add another stroke and then another, but do it slowly over time. This will give your cat time to build up to being stroked.

Cats and hand biting, just as some people prefer not to be touched, some cats are also this way. Learning to recognize the warning signs will help prevent anger on your part and irritation for your cat. This will make you both happier.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Cats | Tagged , , , , , , , |

Finding The Right Cat Breeders – Part 1

Posted on September 19, 2011 by TC

Finding The Right Cat Breeders – Part 1

2 Questions You Must Ask

Like with dogs, there are things you should know for finding the right cat breeders. There are just as many cat breeders out there, good and bad, as there is for dogs. The important thing is to ask the right questions. Most, if not all reputable cat breeders, are more than happy to accommodate your questions. It is their job to be as helpful as possible when it comes to breeding cats for your liking. And because it is a passion for them, they absolutely enjoy discussing everything under the sun about cats.

So if you have found yourself a breeder that you would like more information on as far as purchasing a cat from them, then below are a few questions to help you get to know your breeder better and to be able to judge for yourself their integrity. Remember to always write down your questions so you don’t forget them.

1. You may want to ask them if there are any congenital defects within the particular breed you are referring to. And a follow-up question would then be to ask them what they are doing to avoid those particular defects. Not only is this information important to you, but it gives them a chance to be as up front with you as possible and to disclose this pertinent information.

If you are asking questions to a breeder and he has absolutely nothing negative to say, then this should be a red flag, for no breed is perfect and every animal breeder will always disclose that breeding is a “work in progress” and defects are always being ironed out in the breeding process.

2. Another important question to ask a cat breeder is to find out what health guarantees they offer, if any. In other words, what is to happen should the kittens become severely sick? Again, if a breeder tells you that absolutely nothing will happen in the way of illness than this is a red flag and this breeder should be avoided.

The reason for this advice is because no breeder can truly offer a 100% guarantee that sickness will not occur and that the kitten will stay healthy. Your kitten may become ill only a few days after bringing her home or some other health effects may spring up months or even years later.

If your breeder is reputable than he or she will offer up some sort of fair compensation plan should the cat’s health turn bad. Of course there will be, and should be, certain agreements as to the living situation of the animal. If you are not responsible enough to provide a healthy and sound environment, which leads to the kitten’s ill health, then this will have to be taken into consideration and you cannot expect the breeder to stand by and offer compensation for your lack of responsibility in caring for your pet.

Finding the right cat breeders is very important and so are the questions you want to ask them. Don’t be afraid to ask anything that comes to your mind as well as what you have written down. If the breeder answers with negative answers as well as positive ones then you can be pretty sure you have a good breeder. Remember always to do your research even after you have asked your questions and have your answers. Always do a follow up to any questions you have asked the cat breeders.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , ,

Posted in Kittens | Tagged , , , , , |

The Toys Cats Will Love

Posted on September 7, 2011 by TC

The Toys Cats Will Love

It’s really not hard to think what toys cats will love. All you have to do is just watch a cat or kitten at play and you will know. Cats can be fickle creatures, but a good time can be found with almost any toy.

Do you walk through the pet store, see the many toys available for your cat, and wonder if the expense will be worth it? Cats are like children, they go through stages and sometimes need age appropriate toys. They can get bored very easily. Some suggestions for toys include the cat towers, stuffed mice, small amounts of catnip, stuffed animals, ribbons, and plastic balls.

From an early age, kittens learn to pick up things in their mouths. It is an instinct, just like using their claws. When a cat plays, they like to grab and bit their toys. Let us look at the toys listed above. A cat tower is a great way to teach you cat where it is appropriate to climb. It will keep them off the blinds or curtains while giving them hours of fun. There are many styles of cat towers from the two story towers to the ones rising to the ceiling. The answer to your question is, the more levels they have the more fun and enjoyment they will receive out of a cat tower. A cat will use the tower for play as well as sleep. They like to bat at ropes and other items dangling off the tower as well as going through little tunnels up to the next level. If you have two cats you will have fun watching them give chase to the top often trying to knock the other off. A cat tower can be practical because they will scratch at it rather than your couch.

Stuffed mice are also important to any kitty’s playtime. Not all mice are the same; most cats prefer the small leather mice with the multi colored fur and long tails. These mice come in twelve packs or three packs, and believe me if they are anything like most little kitties they will tear them apart. Cloth mice are typically second during playtime. If you find your kitty to be uninterested in mice you might want to check the type of mouse you have bought them.

Catnip toys are very popular. Catnip will cause your cat to be more rowdy, which can be a plus because they wear down faster. Catnip before bedtime is a great way to get your cat to sleep for quite a while and leave you to slumber. Catnip should be given out sparingly. You do not want to give your cat catnip everyday because it can have adverse affects to their behavior. They can start to depend on it and have mood swings.

The best toy may just be your old stuffed animal lying around the house. There is nothing more amusing than watching your kitty bring you a stuffed animal bigger than she is and proceeds to toss it in the air and pounce. Cats like the feel of certain things in their mouths that is why they chew on paper, plastic and even your blankets. The feel of the material in their mouths allows them to clean their teeth or when they are teething help reduce the pain. The stuffed animal can work in much the same way and keep them away from harmful products.

To answer the above question you do not have to go to great expense to entertain your cat, however to spend a little bit on toys to keep your kitty from getting bored is not to much of a hardship. You may even decide to hide a few toys and reintroduce them after a few months to keep from purchasing new ones all the time. Just make sure it is not the favorite toy of your pet or they may find other ways to entertain themselves that you do not find amusing.

So all in all the toys cats will love is just about anything that will move, wiggle, slither or run. Cats may be fickle but not so much that they don’t enjoy even just a piece of string that you dangle from your fingers.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Kittens | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

3 Non-Violent Ways To Discipline Your Cat

Posted on June 24, 2011 by TC

3 Non-Violent Ways To Discipline Your Cat

There are at least 3 non-violent ways that you can discipline your cat. You should never hit or smack your cat or kitten! And never give your cat the idea that discipline is coming directly from you. That may sound like a strange request but it is quite fitting, especially since your goal is to create a strong bond with your little feline friend.

If your cat relates discipline, anger, and pain with you, then all you will do is create fear in your cat’s mind anytime you approach him. In other words, disciplining your cat should be done in a way so that he directly relates the action with whatever is he was doing “wrong” – not you.

There is indeed a better way to train cats. This system of making them believe that whatever it is that they are doing wrong will trigger an automatic response that they do not like, but has nothing to do with you, it is the only way to teach your cat right from wrong, while at the same time developing a loving and strong relationship with your pet.

For example, if your cat has enjoyed clawing and scratching at your expensive sofa, and you start to yell, discipline, and express anger towards him – this will do nothing more than show that your cat that you are to be avoided, but your sofa is still his scratching post. That situation sounds frustrating, doesn’t it?

Now imagine that instead of using all of your anger toward your cat and letting him know it, you use some sort of “booby-trap” that the cat experiences whenever he approaches the couch. This experience should be agitating, but not painful. Many cat owners use a specific type of sticky coating that will produce static electricity when rubbed by cat’s paw. This creates a small shock and the cat is on his way away from the couch. And as you may understand by now, he will start to directly relate the couch to an experience that he does not want to feel again. And the good news is that it has nothing to do with you!

Below is a list of some discipline tools that you can use to divert your cat’s attention:

1. Use loud noises. Cats cannot stand the sound of loud banging noises. In fact, they hate it and will run for cover as if being sprayed by bullets. A very simple solution would be having a tin cans full of rocks or pennies that you can shake every time you see your cat doing something.

2. Use spray water bottles: This is my personal favorite technique. Remember cats do not like water. However, do not get too trigger-happy. Your only goal is to give a light squirt to your cat whenever you see him doing something wrong. Although you are the one shooting the water, he doesn’t realize that. All your cat knows is that whenever he approaches the couch he feels shocking spurts of water hit the side of his head or body.

3. Try placing some sort of liquid that cats dislike on the surface areas that he is destroying: A good example of this would be some Tabasco sauce or vinegar. Cats despise the bitterness of the substances and it tastes terrible to them.

Try these methods, they really work. You can also experiment with other types of things that you know cats don’t like and try those. Just remember not to go overboard.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Cats | Tagged , , , , , , , , |