Black Cats and Halloween - A Tall "Tail"

If there is any classic symbol of All Hallows Eve, it surely is a black cat. But the question remains, how did these felines find their way into a holiday that normally boasts ghouls and ghosts? Its actually much more simple than you would think.

In many cultures around the globe, black cats have served as an object of superstition and danger, while in others, serving as almost god like creatures and monuments. In Medieval France and Spain, they were actually consider to bring bad luck and various curses to any human or being that came close enough. To no surprise, they were associated with the likes of witches, warlocks, and wizards. Many Medieval Germans actually thought they were cursed if a black cat crossed their path from left to right, which carried over into lore in the United States. But, these cats have also served as might symbols of good luck in many, many cultures.

For example, in the British Isles, black cats were often believed to bring affluence to a house these felines occupied. In another island nation, Japan, they were actually considered to be a form of good luck and prosperity. Most likely because the innate ability of a these cats to look gorgeous! But, most notably, were how these felines were treated in Ancient Egypt. They were worshipped as sacred animals and had many monuments and temples built in their honor.

So, how did they become the representation of bad luck, spookiness, and superstition in the United States? The entire mess can be blamed on the Pilgrims of the Plymouth Colony and their Puritan beliefs. There ideals distrusted anything that could be even remotely associated with witchcraft and sorcery, including black cats. The pilgrim routinely and actively set out to eradicate these beautiful animals, and it became common practice to burn them on Shrove Tuesday to protect the home from fire, weird huh? But, after the anti-witch overzealous movement had subsided within the colonies, black cats had been firmly implanted in the minds of popular belief and in legend alongside witches.

As we know now, pictures of back-arching black cats adorn many windows around the country and are commonly used a distinctive Halloween symbol. They add a frightful and unnerving ambience to front steps and windows, with their frightful green eyes spooking trick-or-treaters of all ages.

But in all seriousness, as much as I love writing about cats and dogs and everything in between, it brings me to a much more serious request. Please, consider adopting a black cat, or any cat for that matter from a local animal shelter or rescue service. In terms of black cat adoption, many studies have shown that by either latent superstition or other circumstances, these gorgeous animals are much less likely to be adopted compared to the other fur colors. When you adopt a black cat, you may be rescuing an animal who may otherwise not find a loving owner and good home. However, some shelters are known to not allow adoptions of these cats immediately before Halloween. There have been stories and circumstances where people use them as living decorations and then abandon them.

Do Your Homework Before You Buy Cat Furniture

You've looked at hundreds of pieces of cat furniture and still can't decide which one is right. Here are some things you should be aware of before you buy.

The most important component of a cat tree is the base. It should make the structure stable. When kitty runs up the tree or jumps on it, it should remain stationary and not rock or wobble. Look for a large flat base that will take heavy weight cats or multiple cats running and jumping on it without moving or swaying.

Scratching posts should be as large of a diameter as possible and should be wrapped with high quality sisal rope. Cats are naturally attracted to sisal rope and will usually scratch their little hearts out. Sisal rope is a very important part of cat furniture, you want them to scratch their furniture and not yours!

Beware of the cheap imported cat trees. Cheap doesn't reflect quality and more often than not, they are made with materials that could be toxic [harmful] to your cat. Find out what materials are used in the construction process before you buy.

Consider the various configurations that are available. You need adequate space and probably want to place it in front of a sunny window. Cats just love to be warm and will frequently seek out the sun for naps.

Are children or dogs present in the home? While cats, dogs and children get along well together, there are times when kitty wants to be out of reach and simply observe from a safe place. Your cat furniture should allow your cat a bit of solitude while still watching the goings on.

Most cats can't resist a toy that's dangling in front of them. The cat tree you select should come with a hanging toy for kitty to take a swipe (or two) at. Encourage your cat to play on the tree. Running, jumping and playing on it sort of turns the cat tree into a cat gym. Exercise is great, especially for indoor cats.

Buying cat furniture is an investment. You should plan on having it in your home for many years. Choose a color that will compliment the room and you'll be happy that it blends in with your other furnishings.

Look for comfort. Cats just love warm and comfy places. Make sure the coverings are durable. Some can be removed for cleaning and if the coverings are not removable, will they be easy to keep clean? You want something that's comfy yet easy to keep clean. Your cat will thank you for it.

How many levels does your cat need? Older cats like to climb to a level they feel safe and secure at. Younger kitties set their sights for the sky. Consider the age of your cat and how active he or she is before deciding how many levels are needed. Multiple cats will need as many levels as possible so that each of them can select their own spot.

Inappropriate Urinating - Two Possible Causes of Cat Soiling

Doc, I am going to get rid of this cat if he doesn't stop peeing everywhere! I have heard this complaint so very often. The leading reason for people getting rid of their cats is due to marking or urination in the wrong places. The problem must be diagnosed to determine whether it is medical or behavioral. Medical problems affecting the urinary tract in cats will force them to change their habits. Cats that are normally litter trained may urinate on the floor right before your eyes or in other obvious places such as your shoe or pillow. This is their cry for help. Rather brilliant on their part to bring the problem to your attention. A urinalysis (urine tests) will diagnose a bladder infection or feline lower urinary tract disease (F.L.U.T.D.). Medical treatment resolves the problem. If the urinalysis is normal than you have behavioral urination problems.

Behavioral urination provokes cats to mark. Most cats mark with the tail straight up and a horizontal spray of small amounts of urine out the back end will leave their scent. Male and female cats mark. Unneutered males mark the most but females in the peak of their breeding cycle mark as well. Reasons for marking include sexual, territorial and competitive interactions between cats. If your cat is totally an indoor pet they will still know if a new tom cat or a breeding female is prowling outside the window. This is even more frustrating for an indoor cat. Indoor marking of doorways, windows, furniture and clothing are acceptable items for your cat. Of course, this is not acceptable to humans because the odor is so offensive.

Aggressive behavior in cats I believe is the most offensive. This is a situation you will take personally. Your cat is unhappy and is selecting the individual in the household who is making him/her unhappy. Perhaps the threat is a new partner, newborn baby or another cat in the household. This is not a common behavioral problem. An analysis of the urine and the environmental conditions are of utmost importance to make an accurate diagnosis.

Treatments for marking include cleaning with a neutralizing product and usually use of oral medications to control anxiety. A wonderful product contains pheromones that cats release when they are happy. If sprayed where previous urinating has occurred the cats will not mark. They don't want to spray in happy places. It also works with aggression problems. Additionally, retraining your cat to use the litter box is necessary. Having a very clean box for each cat and additives that attract your cat back to the box are basic steps. Sometimes anti-anxiety drugs are added to the list. Whether medical or behavioral most problems can be resolved. There is a reason for their complex actions. Give your feline friend a second chance.

Best Fun Cat Games for Girls

Adobe Flash games are abundantly available on the Internet and they can be played online absolutely free of cost. There are many websites devoted to cat games for girls. You will be dressing the online animals in most of the cases, but there are a few advanced games that are offered with more activities and they are really fun-to-play... Basically, you can play them over and again without really getting bored. There are many such fantastic cat games for kids that can be played online, at home, or even while on tablets and mobile phones while travelling!

Net Pet

Net-Pet is the game in which, you can create your own pet; you can name it and also practice all kinds of animal-raising skills on the Internet. Players can select a dog or cat and take the responsibility of training, feeding, and tending to the particular animal.

Sporadically, the cat game will let you to indicate that your pet is in need of attention, or it needs to get scolded for doing wrong things, like howling or scratching the furniture. This particular game allows you to practice how to train a pet efficiently.

Mary Dream House Construction

Mary Dream House Construction is a funny game, which is all about the cats. The game is that Ms. Mary and Mr. Meow are a couple. They plan for party dinner at a girlfriend's house without telling her, and Ms Mary decides to renovate the house.

The game is followed by home improvement tasks carried over by Mr. Meow and these tasks should be completed within a certain time. If he fails, Ms. Mary scolds him... This particular game is really a cool one for awfully young girls. They might not keep up with the dialogues in the game, but they would simply love the cat game for sure!

Cat Bowling

Cat bowling is a game of self-defense. The player will control the cat with lots of ninja skills. Penguins, cute bunnies, and unknown creatures gradually close when they march from right to left towards your cat character.

You just need to roll the bowling balls for stopping them. If rolling balls get closer, they will jump and kick, and you will lose!

The master cat has to roll the ball at gorgeous animals heading on. They will jump over the ball as it springs back. The game is not violent and it is suitable for children of all ages.

Allergic Reactions to Cats

Pet allergies are some of the most common allergies in the world. Cats are even more likely to cause allergies than other pets. It can be an awful feeling to realize that a beloved family furball could be the cause of all the sneezing, coughing, itching, and wheezing, but don't panic. Through the right combination of life-style changes, medical advice, and allergy management techniques, it can be fairly easy to live with these allergies. What causes allergies to cats? Most people who are allergic to cats are not actually responding to fur or hair. Instead, the most common cause for these allergies is dander. Dander is a layer of dead skin cells that can linger on the coats of cats and other pets. It can be released into the air or transferred to other surfaces such as carpets or furniture. It is important to note that long-haired cats are more likely to carry dander in their fur. Symptoms People who are allergic to cats may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Skin reactions: like hives or contact dermatitis (an itchy, red rash that develops after direct contact with an allergen). These may appear after touching a cat or coming into contact with furniture or fabrics that a cat has recently been around.


• Respiratory reactions: such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, or tightness in the chest.

Testing Pet allergies are very common, and are easy to test for. Allergists will likely use a simple skin panel test to either confirm or negate the presence of an allergy to cats or other pets. Other possible tests include elimination testing, where it may be necessary to remove the cat from the home environment for a few days or weeks to monitor symptoms and determine the severity of the allergy. Does Fluffy Have To Go? The short answer is probably not. There are usually steps that can be taken to manage the allergy without having to send anybody to the pound.

• Weekly cleaning routines: Keeping up with housework can be a pain. However, there are a few simple things that, if done weekly, will help rid the house of pet dander and other allergens. Try to vacuum on a regular basis, especially in homes with carpeting. Dander can linger in carpets and other upholsteries. Use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. These will eliminate most allergens instead of re-circulating them through the house. Although it can be difficult, try to keep cats off of couches and other furniture. Or, if push comes to shove, try a washable slip cover. Also, develop a schedule for dusting and try to stick to it. Dust buildup accounts for a large percentage of chronic asthma or hay fever symptoms.


• Keep Cats Well-Groomed: Cat owners may laugh at this statement. Nobody wants to be the one to bathe the cat, and in all honesty, it is not always the best idea to do so. Stick to a simple brushing routine at home, and take cats to professional groomers once every few months. This may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can make a huge difference for allergy sufferers. Ungroomed pets are also more likely to drag in pollen or plant parts from the outside, which can also contribute to seasonal allergies or asthma.


• Long-Term Antihistamines:These are the most commonly recognized types of allergy medications. They can be taken over long periods of time, even indefinitely, and can provide serious relief for people who suffer from conditions like chronic dog allergies.

Cats and Fireworks - Tips To Help Keep Your Feline Calm And Safe

Fireworks and cats... they just don't mix. At best, you end up with a baffled cat sitting in the windowsill and wondering what is going on. More likely, you'll have a cat hidden under the bed, unwilling to surface for a good time to come, or a cat manically running around the house looking for shelter far, far away from all this noise.

New Year's Eve, Bonfire Night, and other occasions where fireworks are used are stressful times for cats. It doesn't help that there are always people who start lighting fireworks well before the special date set for their use. Not to mention those who just cannot seem to stop and carry on lighting them for a long time afterward.

If your cats have access to outdoors, make sure to keep them inside on special nights when fireworks are expected. It is a worrying thought to have your felines outside on a hill, hiding in the bushes because they are too scared to dash back home. Luring them inside with a treat a good amount of time before the worst is expected to start, and then locking the cat flap, will give you and your cats some peace of mind as to their safety.

If you happen to have a good relation with your neighbours, it doesn't hurt to have a word with them. If you kindly ask them not to light fireworks when they can see the cats are out and about, I am sure they will be considerate. Especially if you mention that you will have them safely indoors on the actual night. It's a fair deal, after all, and most people love pets and would not deliberately hurt or frighten them.

On the night itself, you could play some soothing music. Alternatively, you could turn on the television. Background noise can help distract your feline from the big bangs outside.

Close the windows and, if possible, close the curtains. This will help your feline to feel shielded away from what is going on. Talk to them, pet them, try to reassure them that everything is alright.

This doesn't mean you can't go out and enjoy yourself. You can light fireworks yourself if you like doing so (and if it is allowed where you live, of course). If you do want to light fireworks, try to keep it brief as you can. And it is preferable to go for the prettier fireworks such as rockets and fountains, rather than those that sound like big explosions.

If you are going away during those times, ask a family member or friend to turn on the lights when it gets dark. Or leave them on yourself, if you are only out for the night. Have the radio on, softly enough to not disturb the neighbours, but loud enough to provide background noise. Make sure the litter tray is clean, and that there's plenty of food and water available.

If your cat has a certain hiding place, it can be helpful to place the food, water and tray nearby. That enables your feline friend to make a quick dash for them when needed. It can eliminate the risk of any scared soiling of hard to get to places.

The best thing to do, of course, is to keep your cat company during those hours and to provide them with some comfort. Your presence will automatically reassure your feline that everything will be alright. After all, if you're okay and calm, they will be, too.

Recognizing Common Health Problems in Elderly Cats

Having an elderly cat can be such a pleasure knowing their loyalty to you as their caregiver. They can also throw you for a loop with some disturbing health problems that you may not know to look for. New challenges await you as your cat's owner when it comes to managing your furry friend's health care needs. Some of the most commonly seen health issues that arise in elderly cats are diabetes, arthritis, and constipation.

Fact is, elderly cats are not as active as younger cats. They are done growing and don't typically need to fight to claim their territory. Since older cats know when they have a good thing going, they typically will want to eat like they are much younger than they actually are. They are not using as much energy to burn the calories but they will continue to eat as if they were kittens or young adults. Because of this, older cats that are prone to becoming constipated should have a high fiber, low calorie diet. Keeping them active and encouraging them to play will help keep their digestive system moving along making it easier to expend waste. Another thing that can block an elderly cat's digestive system is hairballs. Keeping your elderly feline companion brushed regularly regardless of how much fur they have will have alleviate this problem of ingesting fur and blocking up their digestive system.

If you think your elderly cat is constipated, call their vet before giving them any medicine, especially home remedies. While many veterinarians are not opposed to treating constipation with home remedies, they may want to see your cat and have them checked out to make sure there are no other health issues causing constipation. Some of the most popular home remedies include giving your elderly cat a teaspoon of wheat bran or two teaspoons of Metamucil added to wet cat food.

As cats get older, they will become prone to stiff or inflamed joints. Elderly cats that have feline arthritis tend to feel similar things to humans with arthritis. Just like humans, cats can develop arthritis for many different reasons. Any cat that has arthritis needs to seek medical attention on a regular basis to be correctly diagnosed and treated with appropriate medication. Some things you can try to help your elderly cat are keeping their bed near a warm area in the house. Some pet stores may even carry self-warming cat beds. Giving your cat this extra warmth helps them the most right when they first wake up. Another thing you can do to help your arthritic cat is to make sure the litter box pan can be easily stepped into and out of. Keep it in a place that is easily accessible for your cat so they don't have to go up and down many sets of stairs to get to it.

Elderly cats can eat themselves into diabetes in addition to constipation. This is mostly seen in overweight cats. In addition to diabetes, elderly cats may also develop heart problems or Cushing's disease along with the diabetes. Diabetes in cats can't be cured but it can be managed through proper diet, medication, or insulin shots.

Have an Outdoor Cat? Plant Them a Garden Paradise

Is your feline in love with your garden as much as you are? Regardless of all your sneaky or tricky tactics to prevent him or her from perusing your plants, they always seem to out-smart you. An easy fix is to provide your cat with their own lush paradise. I know, I know, it seems really silly to grow and nurture plants and a garden just for your cat, but trust me - you will thank me.

Your first step is to decide whether to plant a separate are in your garden or to mix cat-loving plants within yours. If you ultimately choose to mix among your garden, make sure to plant them in the back or in less prominent places. This is primarily due to the fact that your cat will be rolling around, chewing, eating and laying on them. Avoiding wilted, trampled, and nibbled garden plants is probably something you'd like to avoid.

Next is to decide what to plant. Starting off with catnip is a no-brainer. The majority of cats go nuts for this stuff and is actually a very aesthetically pleasing plant. Tiny green leaves appear first then talk stalks of cone-shaped little white or light purple flowers. Plus, it can benefit you - people use it in tea and it is supposed to aid in respiratory infections.

Felines are also in love with grass, of any kind. A popular type is cat grass, which is high in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. An added bonus is cat grass aids in digestion and can reduce hairballs.

A few other plants that are safe for cats are herbs like bee balm, lavender, thyme and flowers like orchids, snapdragons, cockscomb, and many more. Consult a vet or do research before planting your flower bed.

If you want, make a little home for your cat amongst the plants with an enclosed cathouse. Place the litter box behind it so it's out of site but still accessible. Having a kitty litter in the garden will prevent her from peeing on your plants which will in turn kill them. Make sure she also has food and water out there if she is spending a large amount of time in the garden.

There are some plants you want to avoid in your garden all together. Lilies of any kind, azalea, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, paprika plants, ivy, chrysanthemums, figs, mistletoe, daffodils and bulb plants, like onions and rhododendrons can all be poisonous to your kitty.

Also, make sure you don't use any chemical pesticides or soil in your garden. Since your cat will be eating and frolicking in her garden, you don't want her ingesting or being exposed to toxic chemicals. Instead, use organic, pet safe mulch and insect killer. A great brand is EcoSmart which uses herbs like rosemary, peppermint, thyme, and clove to repel pests but be careful as even these essential oils can be harmful to your cat

The Numerous Benefits of a Cat Tree

Cat owners are known for spoiling their pets. One of the best ways to spoil them is by providing them with a cat tree. This is so named because it often resembles a tree, with different levels, or branches, and various platforms at graduated heights. The surface is usually covered with carpet or an acrylic material. They often also come with a scratching post near the base covered with sisal fiber or sometimes hemp rope. They come in hundreds of different designs, making it quite simple to find one that matches the decor of your home or apartment.

There are a number of different reasons that this can benefit you and your cat that go way beyond spoiling your pet:

Save Your Furniture

Cats in general need to scratch and the usual beneficiary of this scratching is your furniture. A cat tree will take their attention away from your furniture, saving it from getting ruined. Cats scratch to either sharpen their claws or mark their territory, so a cat tree can give them a new place to do these things.

Exercise for your Cat

If you have an indoor cat and live in a small space, you probably see your cat running around quickly at the same time every night. Cats need exercise, and climbing is one of the best ways for them to get it. A cat tree often has many levels which will give them the opportunity to jump as well. The cat tree can also help to keep them entertained to give you time to yourself occasionally.

Reclaim your Furniture

Cats love to take your favorite spot on the couch or in your bed. The cat tree will give them new spots to claim that can be their very own. They will probably still steal your spot from time to time, but at least they now have a piece of furniture that's just for them.

Save your Kids

If you have smaller kids you might notice that your cat doesn't like them all the time. Your cat might even scratch them. This can often be because the swift movements of kids scare them and they feel like they have no place to go to escape them. A cat tree will give them a place to go where the kids can't reach them.

A cat tree is one of the best purchases you can make for your cat. If gives them a place of their own where no one can bother them. It's also great if you have more than one cat, because most trees come with numerous platforms where they can all lounge comfortably. You also won't have to deal with buying new furniture every couple of years, or just living with ripped up couches and chairs that embarrass you when guest come over. A cat tree has so many benefits for you and your cats that there is really no reason not to get one. You, your kids, your furniture, and especially your cats will definitely thank you.

Diets to Help Your Skinny Cat Gain Weight

Obesity problems are seen in about 25 percent of all pet cats. There are many more that are considered significantly underweight and don't get the attention that is needed to help save them and live happier, healthier lives. There is an abundance of information on how to get your overweight cat to lose weight but the information available on how to help your skinny feline friend gain weight is far more scarce. Keeping your skinny cat's food dish will not make them fat.

One way to determine whether your cat is too thin is being able to see their ribs or easily feeling their ribs when you are petting them. You may not see or feel any fat in their abdominal area. If you suspect your he is too skinny it is imperative to take them to the vet to get a proper diagnosis. It may be that you have too many cats in your home and this one isn't getting enough to eat or there may be underlying medical reasons for this condition. Some of the most common reasons a cat may be underweight is parasites, cancer, or hypothyroidism.

When changing your feline companion's diet it is imperative that the change is gradual and not sudden. Any sudden change in diet can irritate your cat's digestive system causing other possible health related issues. He can't put on weight if they have chronic diarrhea or are vomiting after every feeding. To reduce vomiting when changing your cat's diet, brush them regularly to remove all dead fur that they would otherwise ingest while grooming. Hairballs could build up causing constipation and could make them vomit more often.

When changing over your cat's food, start by changing about one-fourth or less of their regular food to a higher calorie food for a few days in a row. Gradually increase this amount over the course of 7 to 10 days until your cat is eating the higher calorie food solely. Talk to your cat's vet about the best cat foods that will help your cat gain weight with little to no major interruptions in your cat's health.

If your cat is a picky eater, see if some of their favorite flavors or types of cat food come in kitten form. Kitten food typically has more calories than adult cat food as does canned cat food. Canned cat food has more calories because the fat content is higher. This may be another way to help fatten your skinny cat up. The only problem with canned cat food is that it can spoil very quickly. If you choose to go this route to fatten your cat, use smaller cans or half of a regular size can to feed your cat and refrigerate whatever is not given to your cat at feeding time. Throw out any leftover canned cat food after 12 hours as it will begin to spoil. Other alternatives are feeding your cat jarred baby meat food or some type of canned fish such as tuna.