Cats for Dummies (For Dummies Series)

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Adult cats offer some compelling advantages and few disadvantages — the most serious disadvantage being simply that they aren’t as baby cute as kittens! If your cat's constantly in need of something to do and you're not there to play with him constantly -- and few of us are -- consider getting another cat for a playmate. Be aware, however, that not all cats will take to a newcomer. Some are such loners that the addition of another cat may cause more problems than it cures. Unfortunately, there's no way to predict which way your cat will go. Although cats do need care, they are still low maintenance compared to a lot of other pets. Cats are wonderful pets for people who work, people who travel, and people who just want the easygoing companionship a cat can provide. Your cat always keeps up his end of the bargain — make sure that you keep up yours.

Cat Talk Radio has many more podcasts on cats' needs. I encourage you to look through the list and listen to as many as you can. Even the most astute cat owner has something to learn! Now, pay attention to the part of the film about "territory," how tigers need one of their own and how tigers let each other know where one animal's hunting turf ends and another begins. Therefore, visually observing or monitoring the cat during its hour-in-the-box time would alter and prevent an outcome.Your cat is counting on you, and we know that if we help you — and we’ve written this book to do exactly that — you and your cat will both be so much happier. Icons Used in This Book Technical Stuff We don’t get too deep into veterinary medicine, anatomy, or other topics, but this icon is used to let you know that if you want to go deeper, we have you covered. Gina gets calls all the time from readers who are astonished that their dogs consider the contents of a litter box some kind of special treat. These folks are always desperate for an end to this disgusting habit. Signs that he’s swallowed something poisonous ― mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, seizures, or fever Finally, consider the matter of time. An adult cat does quite well on her own alone in the house while you work — most of the time she’s sleeping anyway. A kitten needs your time, for raising her and for watching over her to keep her out of trouble. Photo depicts the kitten, in which those eyes shows the promise of a lifetime of companionship.

As people, we worry endlessly about the amount of fat in our diets, which experts say is too high. But again, we must realize that cats are not people, and their dietary needs are different concerning fats. As such, commercial cat foods have a fairly high percentage of fat. Unquestionably, cats are easy-keepers. But anyone who adopts a cat thinking that cats are like houseplants, just more furry, is in for a big surprise. Kittens and cats seek and need attention and affection. They also need both preventive and routine care for any number of common ailments. Behavior problems such as litter-box avoidance are more common than most people think. To care for your cat well, you need a few basic supplies, a high-quality diet, and a veterinarian you know well enough to ask the questions you need answers to if problems arise, and who can help you establish a preventive-care plan to catch and prevent disease. The following warning signs, which tell you the kitten has a health problem or might not be socialized, indicate issues you would have to deal with if you take the kitten home. FIGURE 2-1: The promise of a lifetime of companionship can be seen in the eyes of a kitten. Adult cat considerationsWithout further ado, let’s dive into Schrödinger’s cat explained: WARNING: Don’t Attempt This Experiment Throughout the book, we’ve put icons in place to make it easier to find the information you’re looking for and to emphasize material that’s important not to miss. If you want to go deeper into a topic, we’ve flagged that material too. Here’s how to navigate these icons: With no one to yell at him for doing these things to the corner of a couch or a pile of dirty laundry, he ambles off. His world smells the way he thinks it ought to, and he's content. On the other hand, a kitten can be a dream come true to a family with older, more-responsible children, or a source of delightful amusement to an active older adult. You just need to look carefully at your living situation and consider the problems and pleasures a kitten will bring.

Most "interior redecoration" done by cats is a result of them doing what comes naturally -- chewing, clawing, and even digging. You need to work to convince your cat to leave your things alone while offering him places where he can be a cat and not get in trouble. Clawing Be aware, however, that animal behavior is an unregulated field -- anyone can call himself a behaviorist. The cat chose domestication on her own terms and chose our companionship the same way. We’re only now starting to understand fully what a wonderful gift we’ve been offered. From Humble Beginnings: How Cats Became So Popular After one hour in the experimental box, Schrödinger’s cat stands at a 50% chance of being dead and a 50% chance of being alive.Certified Feline Training & Behavior Specialist, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, Fear Free Certified Trainer, Certified Reiki Master /Teacher