By CS Swarens

Even though felines tend to be very healthy for the duration of their lives, they do have some common cat ailments. For the most part, a healthy diet and careful grooming will alleviate and even prevent many common cat ailments. If your cat changes its behavior or schedule of activities, a checkup with a veterinarian is highly recommended. While the turnout may be one or more common cat ailments, it never hurts to be on the safe side.

Sometimes it seems like cats and hair balls go hand in hand. Even a short haired cat will occasionally develop a few. If you have a medium to long haired cat, brushing and combing is essential to preventing this and other common cat ailments. Aside from helping your cat look like a show piece, brushing will help remove dead hair that your cat would swallow in the course of washing.

In order to prevent hair balls, you may also want to add a teaspoon of fish oil to cat food once a week. This will help any hair that the cat ingests pass through the digestive system. You may also want to try feeding your cat a teaspoon of bran or canned pumpkin each day. If your cat is feral, it may chew on grass or other plants to help manage this and other common cat ailments.

Fleas can wreak absolute havoc in your cats life. Not only are they itchy, they can spread diseases. Some cats develop physical allergies to fleas, while others will experience emotional and mental distress. Similar to hair balls, routine grooming will help keep fleas to a minimum. Flea collars are also readily available to treat this and some other related common cat ailments. There are also environmentally friendly fur rubs that will deter fleas and give your cat a pleasant odor at the same time. If your cat is highly intolerant of fleas, you may also want to ask your veterinarian about flea inoculations.

If you notice your cat scratching inside his/her ears, some other common cat ailments may be present. Similar to fleas, ear mites and wax buildup can be very annoying and disturbing to your cat. They also rank well near the top when it comes to easily treated common cat ailments. Chances are your cat’s veterinarian will notice ear mites and wax during annual checkups. The medication for both conditions is fairly easy to administer, and will provide a great deal of relief to your cat. It is important to treat ear mites early, as they can do a great deal of damage to your cat’s hearing and long term health.

Finally, few people realize emotional and mental distress are common cat ailments. As an example, if you move out of one home and into another, a grown cat may find it difficult to adapt. There are many stories of transplant cats taking to their paws and returning to their old home, even if it is thousands of miles away. When you own a cat, it is important to realize that they have very stringent rules about their physical territory. They will guard their “property” much as a human owner might. While we cannot see the cat version of fences created by stool and urine markings, cats most certainly recognize the territories of others of their species.

As with humans, cats can suffer from a wide array of ailments that start off with very subtle symptoms. Aside from yearly check ups, it is very important to take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice changes in what time the cat eats, or engages in other occupations. That said, for the most part, if you adopt a kitten or full grown cat, you can look forward to at least one decade of living with a happy, healthy companion. That said, common cat ailments should not be overlooked or ignored.

CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet’s pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CS_Swarens

By Audrey Frederick

I think that the most frightening thing that can happen to an indoor cat owner is to have their dearly beloved cat escape out the door. Whether it is an accident, where the cat broke through a screen, or someone leaving the door ajar and the cat’s curiosity got the best of it. It is an experience that can make even the bravest of cat owners fall to their knees.

However, accidents do happen, no matter how careful we are. So what should a cat owner do first? In some instances prepare yourself for a long day or night of endless searching and calling.

Many studies have shown that indoor cats often show certain types of behavior when they find themselves in strange and unknown territory.

Most often they will go into what is called a “shut down mode” which is a type of self-preservation mode due to the fact that they are frightened and overwhelmed.

Most indoor-only cats have never seen the new sights and sounds of the outdoors and the experience is not only over whelming, but also down right scary.

If you are lucky enough to see your cat escape, keep a watchful eye on where it is going if it is at all possible. A frightened cat generally will not come when called, and now that you are outside, you too, are considered a scary person by the cat.

An indoor-only cat’s first impulse is to hide somewhere that is why if you can keep your eye on the escapee you have a better chance of catching him/her.

A word of warning here, however, even if you know where Kitty is hiding, the chances of him/her coming into your arms willingly are slim and none.

First try offering food or treats, should you get no response do not be dismayed, as your cat may just be too frightened or distracted and does not realize you are its friend and not an enemy. If you try to grab the cat or make a fast motion toward it, you are only frightening it more. Talking softly and moving slowly will work better; again, keep in mind that Kitty is frightened and when you try to pick him/her up, Kitty may scratch or bite. This is a defense mechanism and has nothing to do with you. Remember how you would react if someone came toward you when you were frightened, how would you react?

If you know where Kitty is and if you can leave your door open, try to position yourself behind Kitty and sort of nudge the cat toward home territory. Again talking softly and no fast or sudden moves as you encourage the cat toward the house.

If you have not been able to see where Kitty has gone, the chances are good that your cat is within a 2 or 3 house area hiding somewhere. The scary part here is the longer your cat is gone the further it may wander.

I know we often will go about the neighborhood calling our cat’s name, that in itself makes us think we are doing some good, but kitty won’t answer 99% of the time. The best thing to do here is post flyers right away, talk to all the neighbors in close proximity, and search all the obvious and non-obvious places such as under porches, behind woodpiles, in sheds and under and in bushes. The next thing you should do is call the animal shelters and report your cat missing. Also ask to borrow some humane traps from the animal shelter and set them in your immediate area with food in them, with the hope that a hungry kitty and not a possum will find refuge.

There are two things that you can do for your cat before you have to ever experience this situation. They are (a) have identification on your cat or better yet have a microchip installed, (b) believe it or not teach your cat to come for food treats, this could save its life if it escapes outdoors. The thought here is if the cat has been taught to come when called for food; it will do so, indoors or out.

As a cat owner, I have been through this experience, thankfully with good results, as my cat came back. I know the anguish that one goes through when our 4-legged friend slips through the door and I pray you never have to experience it and should you, I hope these thoughts help.

In my world cats fill a very important part of it. Without my guys ( and girl, too) I think I would be lost, our families are very important, but cats fill that part of you that no one else can. If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Audrey_Frederick

by SHERYLL CROSS

Cats are one of the most loved pets in the world. Cat lovers around the globe understand the needs and demands of their feline pets, especially when it comes to cat grooming. Cats often clean their faces after meals, lick themselves regularly as if taking a bath, and even file their nails on the scratching post. Truly, they should be treated royalty for having such habits. Grooming your cat may seem to be a tough job, but take it as if you’re just doing small favors for your cat. First, you have to examine your cat’s skin and coat. You may know if your cat’s coat is unhealthy if it is uneven and dry, sometimes may have scales and scabs. You can also smell your cat’s coat if it has bad odor. If all of these are present, check on your cat’s diet. You may be giving your cat the wrong kind of food and your cat’s not getting proper nutrition. Also, the coat of your cat should be combed and brushed regularly. Cats should be brushed daily to prevent their furs from tangling and looking rowdy. Just don’t forget to use the proper tools like quality steel combs that won’t hurt your cats. Ask some professional pet groomers what are the ideal hygiene tools you needed specifically for your pet.

Your cat’s nails should be clipped from time to time. Indoor cats need their nails to be clipped unlike outdoor cats that use their long nails for defense, climbing, and balance. If you’re not used to clipping your cat’s nails, try to bring it to pet grooming salons where pet groomers can teach you the proper way of doing it. You can also ask them to teach you techniques to make your cat comfortable first before clipping its nails.

Cats need brushing their teeth too. You can brush kitty’s teeth at least once or twice a week. Brushing your cat’s teeth will remove plaque build-up that may lead to gum disease and other dental problems. Or, bring your cat to pet to your vet or a pet groomer and let him or her do some professional cleaning in your cat’s mouth. It is also important not to use toothbrushes and toothpastes used by humans. A lot of special dental cleaning tools are available in every pet shop or pet stores.

We all know that most cats hate being sprinkled or bathed. Well, they actually hate getting wet. But yes, cats don’t need frequent baths. Bathe your cat only if you feel that it needs one. Use shampoos, conditioners, and soaps intended only for cats. Again, the shampoos and conditioners that we use shouldn’t be applied on them. If your cat has allergies or skin problems, ask a veterinarian for medications. Don’t ever use a product without asking the opinion of the professionals. Well, these are just basic tips on how to groom your cats. Just don’t put too much attention to grooming them, let them have quality time with you. Just like other pets, they need exercise, fun, and sleep. Just don’t forget to give the attention and care they are worthy of. For more information, visit this site on cat grooming.

Sheryll Cross is a web copywriter for US Website Builder, that is associated with Beauty Time Pets Grooming.

by IDHAM EFFENDI

Cat owners are sometimes faced with emergency situations involving their cats without the presence or guidance of their veterinarian. Animals can get sick or require first aid any place at any time. If you as a cat owner have the knowledge of basic pet first aid, then the care, treatment and prognosis for your pet will improve significantly. The following is a list of guidelines you can use when presented with an injured or ill pet. Breathing Problems Brain damage can occur if breathing is interrupted. It is not recommended you waste valuable time performing artificial respiration or CPR on your cat unless you are positive you can administer them expertly to restore normal breathing and heartbeat. It is much safer to seek immediate veterinary care. Broken Bone Never try to set a broken bone yourself. Control bleeding, if any, and restrict your cat s movement while transporting her to the veterinarian. Choking Open the cat s mouth by pressing on either side of her jaw to see if the object is visible. Do not tilt the head backwards. Use tweezers to remove obvious obstruction. You may use your fingers also but be careful of being bitten. If the object is not visible do not poke inside her mouth since this may cause the object to become lodged further. Instead, hold the cat upside down and press sharply on her chest with both hands. Even if you remove the object your cat should be checked by the veterinarian for any damage to the mouth or throat. Electric Shock Playful cats, especially kittens that are teething, may chew on electrical cords and this can lead to electric shock. Electric shock can produce burns on the tongue, palate, lip folds and corners of the mouth. Your cat may salivate profusely or have problems breathing. Never touch an animal that is touching an exposed electrical wire. Turn off the current then use a dry stick to get your cat away from the wire. Get veterinary help as soon as possible. Eye Injury For all eye injuries, take your cat to the veterinarian promptly. Do not let your cat rub her eyes. Do not place medicine in your cat’s eyes, unless instructed by your veterinarian. Frostbite Your cat can suffer frostbite on her ears, feet and tail. Symptoms include: pale, glossy skin which then reddens and becomes painful to the touch. Immediately take your cat into a warm place. Thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by applying, moist towels that are changed frequently. Continue until areas become flushed. Check with the veterinarian to the severity of the frostbite since it can result in damage to the affected areas. Get more: http://cat-world.50webs.com

by MATTHEW PAOLINI

When it comes to growing old gracefully, your favorite cat’s life span is affected by a variety of factors, including breed, environment and genetics. While a cat’s lifespan will vary depending on these contributing factors, a good rule of thumb is that a healthy house cat will live to at least fifteen years of age. That being said, it’s not all that unusual for a cat to live longer and some cats are known to have reached the ripe old age of thirty. Much like humans, cats live longest when they’re fed a good nutritious diet. As a cat ages, its nutritional needs change. Despite the recent scare about contaminated dog and cat food, most national cat food brands are now widely considered to be safe. They come in varieties specifically formulated for particular stages in a cat’s life and are generally well liked by cats. Whether you choose a national brand or opt to make your own cat food at home, it’s important not to overfeed your cat. Most cat food makers can supply you with literature, either on the Internet or in print form, that will give you the latest nutritional guidelines for raising a healthy animal.

Cats are like humans in another way, too. Both respond well to an active life with regular exercise. Allowing your pet to go outside everyday is a great way to keep your cat healthy and fit. A scratching post and a judicious selection of toys can also keep your cat active indoors. Set aside some time everyday to play with your cat. Not only will you and your cat become better friends, the exercise will also contribute to a long, healthy life for your cat and even improve your own quality of life!

Another way to help a cat live longer originally came as a surprise to me. Just before signing off, Bob Barker, the former host of the Price is Right, the popular TV game show, used to remind his audience to spay or neuter their cats. Although Barker’s motivation was probably to reduce the number of stray cats and dogs roaming the streets of L.A., it turns out that spaying or neutering your cat can actually boost its life expectancy. Although the statistics on this don’t lie, it’s not exactly clear why the idea works. Some think a fixed cat will stay closer to home, reducing its exposure to disease and other dangers.

Cats grow more susceptible to disease as they grow older, but there are many things you can do to help keep you cat healthy. Regular brushing will satisfy your cat’s instinct for regular grooming and also help to prevent common skin diseases. Remember, too, that a cat can’t care for its own teeth. Brushing your tabby’s teeth everyday will help ward off conditions like chronic cat breath, gum disease and more serious conditions like resorption lesions. You should also watch for changes in your cat’s eating or sleeping patterns or an abnormal incidence of hairballs, all of which can point to more serious health issues that may require treatment by a veterinarian.

Last but not least, a good relationship with a qualified veterinarian is a must should your cat ever requires professional care. Regular visits to the vet, even when there’s no emergency, can add many years to the life of your favorite feline. So, make the effort to find a vet in your area. Friends or relatives can sometimes provide a recommendation, but if you’re new to the neighborhood or don’t know another cat owner you can ask, check your online yellow pages for a list of qualified vets in your neighborhood. Matt Paolini is a cat lover and Managing Editor of CityBook, the Internet’s leading family-safe yellow pages directory. Locate a veterinarian in your neighborhood using CityBook’s online yellow pages.

by SHARON COWHERD

Have you ever wondered what your cat is feeling? Did you know that you can tell by the movement of their tail? A cat will convey their emotions through a simple motion of their tale. Just as we can show our feelings without talking through our body language, cats do the same with their tail. Now to interpret their movements is going to allow you to know exactly what your cat is feeling or experiencing at that moment. This will also help you to leave a cat alone who does not want to be bothered or shower them with love when they want attention.

When your cat’s tail is swishing violently back and forth, sometimes called a Sword Tail, it is your indicator that they are agitated or anxious. This movement is also a warning that they could attack at any time. When you see your cat moving its tail in this motion you want to either leave it be and let it relax. You can also try to get its attention away from you or whatever is agitating it, by tossing a toy for it to play with.

A cat will curl up with its tail tucked all around it, showing that it is content. They may also want to keep to themselves for awhile in this position. Wrapping their tail around them also allows them to keep their feet warm and protected.

The tip of your cat’s tail will also tell you a lot when you are watching it. If your cat’s tail is lowered but the tip is curved upward, also known as the Tip-Off, it could mean that it is very nervous or unsure about its surroundings for something that has gotten its attention. You will want to approach your cat with caution when you see its tail in this position as it could get aggressive. You can soothingly talk to your cat to calm it down. If it continues to hold the tail with the tip curved upward give it space to calm down.

There is one tail position that will portray different emotions depending on other movements of your cat; this position is holding the tail straight up. If your cat is holding its tail straight up or curling slightly means it is in a friendly mood or really happy to see you. When a tail is straight up but quivering, your cat is showing its love. I have only seen this particular tail position in one of my cats. Cuddles used to jump on my lap and her tail would be straight up and quivering, it was a good feeling knowing that she loved me so much. You do however want to watch out for your cat when their tail is straight up and fully bristled, it is angry and is telling you to “Watch Out.”

Another tail movement that has more than one meaning is when your cat is swishing its tail back and forth. If the swishing movement is rapid and forceful, your cat is not in the mood to play. However, the opposite is true if the movement is gentle. A swishing motion is often an indication that something has caught your cat’s attention. It could be thinking about pouncing on a toy or climbing a tree. There is one movement that may appear cute or harmless, but if your cat is against something with its tail straight up and quivering it could mean that it is marking that object. This type of tail movement is an indication that it is spraying. If you catch your cat backing up to an object, get its attention away from spraying.

Have you seen your cat’s tail bush out to make it look larger than it really is? I have seen this type of tail movement in all of my cats. It is done when they are frightened or very irritated. I have only seen my cats’ tail in the bushy position when they get frightened, and it usually occurs when something catches them by surprise.

Another movement that only involves the tip of the tail is a tick tock motion. If the tip of the tail is sharply moving from side to side it is a very good sign that your cat is very irritated and that it wants to be left alone.

Knowing the different movements that your cat’s tail make is good to know, but what if your cat does not have a tail? There are breeds of cats that do not have tails, and a cat can also lose its tail in an accident. So how do you know what they are saying? If you have a cat without a tail, listen to its meow, purring, or watch how it is arching its back. It will show you what it is trying to tell you without its tail.

Sharon Cowherd maintains Caring for Your Cat, a blog about her experiences and knowledge of caring for her cats. You can read more about Sharon and her cats at http://www.caringforyourcat.com

by Sharon Cowherd

Have you ever wondered why a cat purrs and how? It really seems to be a mystery as to why that little rumble you hear coming from your cat occurs at any given time. I thought that a cat would purr out of contentment or happiness.

I have heard my own cats’ purr start whenever I begin to stroke or pet them while comforting or loving them. They also start to roar up a storm after jumping up into my lap and curling up to sleep. I thought that the only time they would purr was when they were cuddled up sleeping on my lap or from my soothing touch. At least until I walked by Tiggy lying on the bed by herself fast asleep, I could hear her little rumble.

I became curious after finding that it wasn’t just when my cats were around me that they would purr. So with my curiosity peaked, I started to search for information to answer my question – Why do my cats’ purr? I came across some different sources of information and all appeared to have a common answer. There is not a definite answer to why a cat purrs.

Little research has been done on this aspect of the cat. There may be more done in the future to answer the questions to those of us who are curious about a cat’s purr.

It is believed that a cat does purr when it is happy and content. I must agree with this, as I have witnessed my cats’ purring when they are content. At least it appears that they are content as they are curled up on my lap singing up a storm.

There are also some who believe that a cat also purrs when they are in pain, suffering, or even stressed. I have not experienced the purring when my cats’ have been stressed or suffering. Even with the loss of one of my cat’s, Cuddles, when she was sick I did not notice her purring out of stress or suffering. Her purring still occurred just as it did before, while sitting on my lap when I stroked or massaged her. I am not saying that this theory is not true; I am just stating that I have no actual experience of my cats’ purring when stressed or suffering.

Another burning question that I had wondered about was how do they purr? How can a rumbling sound make their whole body vibrate and get you to feel safe and relaxed. I find my cats’ purr to be very comforting and wanted to know how they did it.

A cat’s purr is believed to be produced by vibrating the voice box or larynx. This vibrating can occur at a frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz. This is also a frequency that is believed to promote healing and bone growth. Each cat will have their own tone of vibration. Some cats have a loud purr while others are barely audible, the only way you know they are purring is by touching them and feel the vibration of their body.

The mechanism in which the cat purrs can actually explain a lot when referring to healing. Cats are known to have “9 lives”, which can be explained with the frequency of the purr enabling the cat to heal itself. Most cat owners will also confirm that they experience less stress in their daily lives or are able to relax after a very stressful day just by sitting with their cat and stroking their silky fur and listening to the melodic tone of the purr.

I do believe that the purr promotes overall good health and well-being for both the cat and the owner or anyone who has daily contact with a loving cat. My cats have been a pure joy and definitely help to keep my relaxed at the end of a stressful day.

The next time you are next to your cat or any cat and you hear that little rumble, reach down and feel the vibration. Also, know that there is more to that little rumble than the noise that you hear pouring from your cat. It is a powerful tool for your cat to keep it happy and healthy.
About the Author
Sharon Cowherd maintains Caring for Your Cat, a blog about her experiences and knowledge of caring for her cats. You can read more about Sharon and her cats at http://www.caringforyourcat.com/

by Crystal Chan

By their very nature, cats are free-ranging animals. Mature males especially, are wanderers. Before the concept of selective breeding about 150 years ago, this wanderlust in domestic cats provided plenty of opportunity for the intermingling of genes. If there were teo distinct races of cat in any region, they blended over a period of time, so we cannot be sure of the origin of many of our modern domestic breeds.
Nevertheless, studies of the skeletal structure, body type and hair length of modern breeds enable us to make an informed guess. The spread of pedigree cats – and also the development of new breeds or colour varieties – continues throughout the world. There are now dozens of different breeds and hundreds of different colour varieties.
The heavier, more thickset body type, found in British Shorthairs and Persians, shows the influence of the European wild cat. The foreign and Oriental breeds retain the lithe body of the African wild cat. By the late 19th century, exports and imports of pedigree cats were starting in earnest, and by the end of that century the Siamese, Russian Blue and Abyssinian had already reached Britain.
There are no evidence for the claim that some domestic breeds (such as the Angora, Chinese cat and Siamese) have an Asiatic origin and may be descended from Pallas’s cat or its close relatives, because the skulls of these cats show no similarity to the Asiatic species.
It was not until the middle of the 19th century that the idea of selective breeding and recording of pedigree cats took hold in Britain and Europe. Some breeders started their breeding programmes using ordinary shorthaired ‘moggies’, selecting them for their body shape and coat colour. From these humble ancestors, over the years and through selective breeding, today’s British and European Shorthair breeds were created.
In America the foundation stock for short-hairs also came from local cats, but these were the descendants of the cats taken over by the early settlers 200 years earlier, and they had developed quite distinctive characteristics of their own. These are now reflected in the American Shorthair. During early days of cat breeding ‘there were already longhaired domestic cats, but the main development of the pedigree longhair breeds came initially from the Angora cat, which had originated in Turkey, and later from other longhair breeds imported from Persia and Afghanistan. Both the latter types wuickly became known as Persians. Their popularity grew at the expense of the Angora, which almost disappeared from teh breeding scene.
About the Author
1st Cat Care is to provide information and guidance to pet cat lovers in taking care of their cats’ health, cat toilet training, tips on using the cat litter box, vaccinations, pregnancy and more on pet cat and kitten care ……..

by Paula Sanders

Cats are typically self-sufficient and thus do not need a lot of training. It is unfortunate, though, that some kittens can form bad habits as they mature. Such bad habits are common in cats that have been adopted, neglected, abused, taken in as a stray, or even purchased from a breeder. Even then, though, it seems that cats have a natural instinct guiding them to the litter box and thus a majority of them do not require “potty training.”

The most important aspect in cat training is to reward your pet for behaving the way that you want them to. Most owners are just focused on punishing their pet when they do something wrong, such as scratch on the furniture. But, the problem with this is that cats don’t understand the point you’re trying to prove to them by yelling at them or punishing them.

Scratching is one thing that cats love to do, and also something they need to do. The reason for this is because it helps remove the old layers of nails. So it is essential that you buy your cat some scratching posts. They may not use them at first because they prefer their usual spots. But the good news is, you can train a cat to use them. One way to do this is to confine the kitten to one room that contains it’s scratching and climbing posts. With nothing else to scratch or climb on it will eventually use them.

If the cat still does not wish to use the posts you can adapt the post to its living. Add such things as well placed treats on the platforms climbing posts, or put catnip on the scratching post. You should never try to force the cat to do anything it does not like. Several people make this mistake of forcing the cat to claw on the post to teach them. If your cat feels as if its forced to do something it will definitely end up disliking you. This is very important to remember while kitten training.

If you reward your cat properly in cat training, you can get your cat to obey some commands. These commands include “Meow,” “Sit Up,” and even “Fetch”- commands just like those dogs would receive. Make sure to reward the cat immediately for following a command or otherwise the cat will not associate the reward with obeying the order. Using a clicker, as is typical of dog training, also helps; when your cat obeys a command, make it click and reinforce the instruction by giving the cat a treat.

It is also very important during the cat training routine that the treat you are offering the animal is healthy for them. Remember not to punish or be negative toward them in any way what so ever. This will result only in the cat becoming afraid of you and this will harm your relationship with it. Teaching your cat good behavior will help with the cats enjoyment of life (and yours as well).
About the Author
Certain bad habits are common in cats that have been adopted, neglected, abused, or have been homeless in the past. This justifies the need for cat training. It is important to reward your pet for behaving the way you want them to.

by Julia Camden

Could Boredom Be Causing Your Cat’s Behavior Problems? 10 Quality Play Tips For Your Cat When a cat is displaying major behavior problems it usually comes from a lack of things to do. That’s right old fashion boredom. Boredom can lead to neurotic chewing, compulsive grooming, over eating, and in some cases aggression.

If you take a short amount of playtime with your cat, it will improve your cats mental health and physical well-being. This could all happen in as little as 15 minutes. Not only does it help your cats health but can also create a stronger bond between you and your beloved family pet.

Here are some fun ideas to add a bit of excitement to your cat’s every day routine.

PAPER BAG (without handles)

Cats love to hide out so something as simple as a paper bag can be a new toy. Take out a paper bag and watch them enjoy. If you want to make it extra fun cut some holes into it and put their favorite toy inside. That’ll sure keep them busy!

BURIED TREASURE

Cats enjoy a good hunting game so get one of their toys and place it right in between the cushions of your couch or even simply under a pillow. Then once your cat finds it and takes it out. Find another hiding place. The fun will just keep on going.

SWAT GAME

If you don’t already have a dangling cat toy you can make one. Get a string. Tie one end to the tip of a chopstick and the other to one of their toys or even a feather if you have one. Then let them chase or “hunt” it.

Cats love this game!

TOILET PAPER ROLE

When giving your cat a toilet paper role make sure there is no paper on it. Just the simple roll will do.. If you want to make it twice as fun you could wedge a ball on one end and tape it there giving the roll a wobble that will drive your cat crazy.

TISSUE IN A BOX

This game is a bit messy but takes little time from you and worth it just to watch your cat take out every tissue one by one.

LASER LIGHT

(When playing laser light make sure the laser never shines in their eyes!!! If that worries you a flash light can be substituted for the laser.).

Move the light across the floor and along the walls. This chase game is great fun for your cat and is also a good exercise for them as well.

BOUNCY BALLS

This is an old fashion and self explanatory game. You throw the ball. It bounces. This is a simple way to get rid of unwanted cat behavior and it’s big fun for kitty!

SOCKS

Yes your cat can even be entertained with a sock. Stuff it with cotton balls and catnip. Your cat will have a blast!

ICE CUBES

Slide an ice cube back and forth across your kitchen floor. You now have a game of feline ice hockey that he is guaranteed to win!

PING PONG BALLS

Simply place a few ping pong balls in an empty tub.

These are games your cat and you can enjoy together. Two or three play sessions a day, preferably at times when he tends to be most active will keep him happy and fit.

Have fun!
About the Author
Have a cat behavior problem that needs solving? If so, you’ll want to visit www.secretsofcats.com today to get expert information on how to train your cat and eliminate cat problems quickly.