Different Types of Cat Barrier

Cats, similar to dogs, are physically active domesticated animals and letting them roam around inside your house without supervision could cause damage and scratches to your beddings and furniture. If you want to prevent that from happening, the use of cat barriers such as cat doors, enclosure or playpen is very helpful to keep your feline friend in a safe and contained area. Such pet containment systems are also a great way to keep your cat away from aggressive dogs and other dangerous stray animals in the neighborhood.

Here are a few types of cat barriers and the many good benefits they can bring to you and your beloved cat:

Cat Doors
Cat barrier, in the form of a cat door, will allow your kitty to enter and exit the house in a safe manner. As you all know, cats are naturally territorial and they immensely enjoy playing inside and outside the house. If you have a small cat door installed specifically for her, it can make the life of your cat easier and convenient. Hence, there’s no more need to exert effort to open the main door at all times to let her out or in.

Cat Flaps
This unique feline door design will let your cat to enter and exit a house on their own without needing you to open the main door from time to time, while providing protection against wind, rain and other harsh elements.

Cat Enclosures
For outdoor use, cat enclosures are very functional to contain your cat in the backyard or the park. More than being a cage, this spacious cat containment system can serve as an outdoor feline barrier where your furry friend can play, run, exercise and rest safely while enjoying the beauty of the outside world.

Cat Playpens
For indoor use, on the other hand, cat playpens and kitten playpens are a great solution. This type of cat barrier provides a comfortable space for your feline pet to stretch out, move around and play inside the house, while preventing her to get in touch with fragile objects such as furniture and other precious decorations. Cat playpen is also ideal to use if you leave your cat home alone.

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.

Helping Your Cat Express Its Creativity Through Scratching

Most cats enjoy scratching, there's no question about it.

And indoor cats are no different. Just because a tree is not available, it does not decrease their desire to "leave a mark on the world" by scratching. From a cat's point of view, chairs, sofas, and even the woodwork can serve as a good substitute. But cat owners often take a different view. They see scratching as a destructive behavior, and seek to redirect or stop it. In many cases, a scratching post can be a good compromise.

But even better, why not help your feline pal create original pieces of art you will be proud to display in your home or office?

Ever since he was a kitten, my cat Henry has always loved to scratch. He soon grew tired of the scratching post I bought him and went on tocreate interesting textures on the living room sofa and chair. I was determined not to have him declawed. So what was the answer?

I remembered hearing that a friend's cat liked to scratch a piece of carpet she had nailed onto the wall. So I went to the surplus store and bought a few pieces of carpet remnants.

It did not take Henry long to catch on. Almost as soon as I nailed the carpet up on the wall, he discovered that he really enjoyed scratching it. He was very pleased that it didn't turn over with him like his old scratching post sometimes did, and he enjoyed working with the
texture.

A few months later, when Henry had nearly scratched the carpet remnant to pieces, I decided to replace it with another strip of carpet. But instead of throwing the scratched carpet away, I decided to put a hanger on it and display it. After all, it looked like a modern piece of fiber art. It had long, fluffy loops of all lengths, and it looked like someone had spent a great deal of time creating it. (Actually they did -- only the "someone" happened to be feline!)

Last summer when I was exhibiting some of my own fiber art at the Bangor Public Library in Bangor, Maine, I decided to include a few pieces of Henry's work. The library patrons enjoyed viewing it, and were surprised to learn that a cat had created it! Within a few
months, Henry and his work were also featured in the Bangor Daily News.

If you would like to help your feline friend express their creativity, all you need are a few nails or screws and a strip of carpet that's at least 5-6 inches across and at least a foot long. Make sure that the carpet does not have loops that are cut, or your cat will only be able
to pull out clumps of fiber, and cannot make the beautiful loop-covered wall hangings he or she would like to create. Nail it securely to the wall, and watch what happens! If your cat needs a little encouragement, you can always rub the carpet remnant with catnip, or spray it with catnip spray.

Who knows what wonderful masterpiece your cat might create!

Anita Louise McCormick is a writer, editor, artist, and Reiki Master. She is also the agent and personal assistant of a very creative cat, Henry the Feline Fiber Artist! You can visit the website Anita created for Henry at http://henrythefelinefiberartist.wordpress.com to read his story, see a few of the wall hangings he created, and view a short video documentary about his work. Anita also has a website about her writing at http://www.angelfire.com/biz/AnitaMcCormick

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.

How to Clean Cat Urine

Cats may urinate outside the litter box for a number of reasons, including:

Marking Territory – The cat is claiming an object or area as his own. This is a common problem in multicat households.

Fear: The cat has been frightened while using the litter box or near the spot where he has urinated.

• Litter Box Problems: These may include location, type of litter, and other issues.
• Stress: Changes that cats find traumatic such as moving house can cause soiling outside the box.
• Illness: Inappropriate elimination is a symptom of many different medical problems. If a cat begins urinating outside the box, take him for a veterinary check-up to rule out health issues before assuming that it's a behavioural problem.

It's important to clean cat urine thoroughly as soon as it's discovered, or the scent will lure the cat back, encouraging him to keep marking the same spot. Other cats, vying for territory within a multicat household, may also urinate on a spot that the first cat has marked to assert their own claims.

How to Remove Fresh Cat Urine from Carpets or Furniture

Fresh cat urine is acidic, while dried urine is alkaline, so different cleaning strategies are required for each. Vinegar, often recommended for cleaning cat urine, will affect the pH of fresh urine in a way that makes the odour difficult to permanently eliminate. When fresh urine has been cleaned with vinegar, the smell can be brought back to life on humid days.

To clean fresh cat urine from carpeting or upholstery so that the odour is permanently removed, use the following strategy:

• Step 1: Blot the area with dry rags or paper towels – don’t rub, as this may force urine deeper into the fabric or carpet underlay. Press down on the rags or towels to soak up as much urine as possible.
• Step 2: Saturate the area with a dish detergent solution (1 teaspoon of mild dish detergent to 1 quart of warm water). Let the solution sit for an hour or two if possible. Then rinse the area thoroughly (a wet sponge can be used for this purpose) and allow it to dry.
• Step 3: Apply an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature’s Miracle to ensure that all scents detectable to cats have been eliminated (enzymatic cleaners should also be used for cat urine on hardwood or concrete). More than one application may be required.
• Step 4: If the cat has urinated on a carpet, it may have soaked through to the underlay or even the floorboards underneath. If possible, pull up the carpet and clean the area underneath the urine spot. Allow the area to dry thoroughly before replacing the carpet. The padding inside furniture that has been targeted may also require cleaning.

How to Remove Dried Cat Urine from Carpets or Furniture

Dried cat urine, which may be hidden away in closets and other out-of-the-way spots, can be found using a black light (black-light-equipped portable flashlights are available at many hardware and pet supply stores). To clean dried cat urine:

• Step 1: Soak the area with a vinegar and water solution (2 parts water to 1 part vinegar). Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes and then blot with dry rags or paper towels.
• Step 2: Follow steps 2-4 for cleaning fresh cat urine (see above).

How to Prevent Cats from Urinating Outside the Litter Box

In addition to thoroughly cleaning and de-scenting the area, there are ways to prevent cats from urinating outside the box, particularly if they are targeting a specific place over and over again. Effective strategies include:

• Blocking access to the area if possible or using carpet runner (pointy side up), tinfoil, or Sticky Paws tape (all items that cats dislike walking on) to cover the spot for a few weeks until the habit is broken
• Avoiding the use of ammonia-based cleaners, as the smell may encourage cats to continue urinating on the spot where it has been applied
• Discarding smaller items (i.e., pillows) that are frequently targeted
• Trying a pheromone product, such as Feliway (some owners find these products useful in reducing or eliminating urine marking)
• Taking steps to reduce conflicts among cats that may contribute to territorial marking
• Addressing any problems with the litter box that cause the cat to avoid it
• Dealing with psychological issues that are triggering inappropriate elimination

Scolding or punishing cats for urinating or defecating outside the box is unlikely to stop this behaviour. In fact, it often increases inappropriate elimination because anxious cats are more inclined to go outside the box. Providing extra attention and reassurance is more likely to have a positive effect on undesirable behaviour than punishment.

References:

• Christensen, Wendy, and the Staff of the Humane Society of the United States. (2002). The Humane Society of the United States Complete Guide to Cat Care. New York: St. Martin’s Press.
• The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2009). “How to Clean up Cat Urine.”

The copyright of the article How to Clean Cat Urine in Cats is owned by Jennifer Copley. Permission to republish How to Clean Cat Urine in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Prisoners Transformed Through Pet Therapy © Jennifer Copley

At many prisons, inmates have experienced a metamorphosis as a result of their interactions with cats. The following are some particularly noteworthy examples of the benefits of pet therapy at correctional institutions.
The Cat Program at Saxierriet Prison

Saxierriet penitentiary in Switzerland has implemented an innovative pet therapy program called the Cat Program through which inmate volunteers are provided with a pet cat. Strict regulations are enforced to ensure the welfare of these therapy animals, and inmates may take their pets with them when they are released.

Having trustworthy, nonjudgmental companions has reduced the loneliness of participating inmates. Taking care of an animal is the only socially acceptable way of showing affection in prison, and the opportunity to do so has made the prisoners more receptive to psychological treatment. A study of participants found that they had higher self-esteem and self-confidence as a result of the program, critical elements for resocialization after release (Nef, 2004, "The Cat Programme, An Animal-Assisted Therapy at Saxierriet Prison for Men: Its Effects and Results in a Correctional Establishment").
The Feral Cat Colony at Pollsmoor Prison

Pollsmoor Prison, a South African maximum security facility housing a large number of hardcore criminals, is also home to a feral cat colony whose members have had a transformative effect on the inmates.

Prisoners first invited the starving feral cats into their cells by hanging sheets from their windows for the cats to climb and sharing their food with them. Rita Brock and Mandy Wilson of The Emma Animal Rescue Society (TEARS), who originally came to rescue feral cats in the area that local authorities planned to eradicate, now have the ongoing responsibility of working with the prisoners and wardens to ensure that the cats receive sufficient food and medical care.

Pollsmoor inmate Wayne Hutchinson says of his cat Spookies, “she’s totally stolen my heart and changed my life around....I was abused as a child, and she has taught me how to love and learn the errors of my ways.” (Sandy Robins,“The Cats of Pollsmoor Prison,” Cat Fancy Magazine - reprinted 16 April 2009 by Linda Tellington-Jones).

To read the full story of the Pollsmoor Prison cats, visit Tellington-Jones’ website.
The Cat Program at Indiana State Prison

Cat Behaviourist Diana Korten visited the Indiana State prison to interview inmates and staff about their cat program. Korten notes that it was the cats that initiated the program when they made their way onto the prison grounds and began having kittens there.

Indiana State is a maximum security facility and many of the offenders are in for murder, but the men are fiercely protective of their cats. They construct elaborate cat furniture, make cat toys, and take excellent care of their charges, cat-sitting for one another as needed. The prisoners receive unconditional love from their pets and believe that the cats have changed them in positive ways, reducing their anger and increasing their capacity for self-control.

Inmate James Stone confided to Korten, “I have a temper. One time some things happened and I was feeling pretty serious about doing something....But Raol put Jinxster in my arms, and I just held him until I didn’t need to do something anymore....During my first 15 years here, I was trouble....But Jinx changed all that. I’m a different person now.”

Administrator Vince Morton told Korten, “I’ve been here for over 25 years, and I have seen a lot of offenders transformed by the cats.” The program costs the taxpayers nothing – prisoners pay all cat-related expenses through work programs or family support.

To read the full article on this remarkable program and its effects, visit Diana Korten's Cat Odyssey blog.
The Pen Pals Program at Pocahontas Correctional Unit

The Chesterfield, VA, Pocahontas Correctional Unit Pen Pals program enables trusted inmates to care for abandoned feral cats. Participants socialize the cats, after which they are adopted out.

Pet cats that found themselves homeless after Hurricane Katrina were also cared for by the Pen Pals. The inmates were happy to help the sick, traumatized animals, and to do something tangible for the hurricane relief effort (Associated Press, 19 October, 2005, “Inmates Welcome Cats Orphaned by Katrina”).
The Cats of Bang Kwang Prison

Bang Kwang Prison in Thailand, like many other prisons, has become a gathering place for abandoned feral cats. Lonely inmates, many of them in jail for life, are comforted by the 700 feral cats that live on the prison grounds.

A warden at the prison said “with these cats around, inmates with brutal crimes such as murder have reduced much of their aggression and become gentler.” The cats are particularly popular among former gunmen. According to one, “when I first arrived here, I was very edgy, so full of worries and bad tempers rushing in and out. But when I began raising and playing with these cats, my mind grew calmer.” In addition to having a positive effect on the inmates, the cats earn their keep by eliminating prison rats (MCOT English News, 23 July 2008, “Bang Kwang Inmates Find Comfort in Cats’ Company”).

Further Reading

• For more information on the psychological and physical health benefits cats can provide, see The Health Benefits of Owning a Cat.
• See Animal-Assisted Therapy Providers for information on animal therapy in other contexts such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.

The copyright of the article Prison Cats Change Inmates for the Better in Cats is owned by Jennifer Copley. Permission to republish Prison Cats Change Inmates for the Better in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

New to Cats - Getting Your First Cat

Getting your first cat or kitten can be a huge step for a "Cat Newbie." These helpful articles and resources will help you in making that all-important decision of committing to a lifetime relationship. Whether you've just adopted your first cat, or are just thinking about getting one, this is the place to start.

Where to Adopt a Cat
Indoors or Outdoors
Cat Care 101
Allergic to Cats
Declawing
Cat Names

Advanced Tips for Choosing Cat Food

Cat food is one of the most important expenses of feline guardianship, next to veterinary care. It is important also to note that proper diet can eliminate or delay veterinary expense for a number of serious medical conditions.

How to Make Your House a Great Place for Your Cat
Just as you may need a TV, books, or a garden, for the quality of life you enjoy, so does your cat have certain needs. By providing him with the essentials, your relationship with your cat will grow, and kitty will truly feel "at home."

Singing Kitty

THE BEST CAT VIDEO YOU'LL EVER SEE

Cat Art - 6 Gift Ideas

There is no question about it: Cats' regal majesty and feline beauty have inspired many an artist throughout history. And it's not only their physical appeal that has sparked the imagination of painters, sculptors, artisans, writers, and musicians. Cats' unique nature, mysterious ways, and sometimes quirky traits have also inspired novels, poems, cartoons and one of the longest running shows on Broadway, among many other works. So it's safe to say that a gift of cat art will be the delight of any cat lover.

But cat art is such a wide field that you would really have to think about which type of cat art gift to give. And just picking any cat art gift will not do. Some considerations to keep in mind during the selection process include: The form of art you want to give (i.e. painting, sculpture), the particular technique you want to focus on (for example, watercolors vs. pastels, if you're giving a painting), your friend's personal taste, and of course, a preset spending limit (also called a budget).

These considerations will help you narrow your selection options and choose the perfect gift for your cat-loving friend. If you feel that you need some ideas to inspire you in your search, here's help. Below you will find six cat art gift ideas, arranged from most expensive to most affordable.

1. Cat paintings. Many well-known artists have painted cats down through the centuries: From Leonardo Da Vinci and Titian to Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. I guess they just loved cats' beautiful shape and had to immortalize it on canvass. Indeed, a feline-inspired painting makes an exquisite cat gift. Of course, some of these works of art come with a hefty price tag. But you can still find gorgeous paintings at affordable prices.

2. Sculptures of cats. Somebody once said that if you have a cat you don't need artwork. And that is true, I think. Still, cat-inspired sculptures can add another level of feline beauty to any spot. Cats are amongst nature's most beautiful animals. And that beauty lends itself to be reproduced in sculptures. You can find statues for every place in your home: Sophisticated sculptures for the living room, whimsical statuettes for the bedroom, and lovely pieces for the garden.

3. Fine art prints depicting cats. Can't afford a fine painting? No problem, you can find a wide array of feline-inspired art prints. The best part is that you can find reproductions of famous works of art portraying cats, like Edouard Manet's Woman with a Cat (La Femme au chat, c. 1880-1882) and Francisco de Goya's Don Manuel Osorio de Zuñiga (1787).

4. Cat-inspired photographs. I think all cats are photogenic. Most often than not, cats take great pictures. You can find posters based on cat photographs of many different styles: Black and white photographs, breeds, funny and whimsical, inspirational, and more. If you prefer, you can take a picture of your cat-loving friend, place it in a nice frame and give as a gift.

5. Cat posters. You can find lots of posters depicting cats: Black cats, playful kittens, cats by breed, and more. I'm sure you will find something that will please any cat lover. And you can find posters at affordable prices.

6. Make it yourself. Are you creative and adventurous? If you are, make the gift yourself! Draw or paint cats. Or take a photograph. Or make a calendar. Thanks to user-friendly software and digital cameras, you can make your own art and personalize your gifts.

Bonus Idea:

Inexpensive cat art. Give painted mugs or magnets showcasing cat-themed artworks. These gifts are beautiful and practical. And best of all, you can find them at attractive prices.

© Claudia Escobar is a cat lover who loves anything cat-related. For more gift ideas for cat lovers visit her site at http://www.cat-lovers-gifts-guide.com - If you would like to reproduce this article please feel free to do so, provided that you publish the article in its entirety and include this resource box.

7 Tips to Organize Your Cat's Litter Box Area

Is there anything worse that having a guest come into your home and instantly say "Oh, you have a cat?" And the cat is nowhere to be seen? Oops. That's a good sign you may not be keeping the litter box as clean as possible.

In my work as a professional organizer, organizing the cat's litter box is often the first thing to be done for my dear cat loving clients. In my 25 years of owning cats, I've tried everything to make the job of keeping the litter box clean smelling easier. I'm proud to say that today I have 3 gorgeous Maine Coone cats (you can see pictures on my blog) and guests in my home are always SURPRISED when they see the cats. That's because they can't smell them!

Here are seven organizing tips to keep your cat's litter box neat, clean & fresh.

1. NEVER put the litter box in your own bathroom unless you absolutely have to! The litter gets everywhere and it stinks. If you have to keep it there, get a fully enclosed litter box with an opening for the cat to walk through. They will track litter outside the box though. So that leads to my next tip.
2. The best place place to keep the litter box is in a small closet with cleaning supplies. Just make sure to keep the door cracked open. I recommend keeping a long item such as shelf paper on one of the shelves so the door can't be accidentally closed. If the area is carpeted, line it with plastic or vinyl carpet liner. Or better yet, remove the carpet if you can. Be sure to get a litter box that has high walls and a dome or cover. The Booda Clean Step Dome Litter Box works great and really does help cut down on the litter tracking.
3. Every time you scoop the litter, use a handheld vacuum to clean the area around the box. Store the vacuum cleaner on a shelf or hang it on a wall in the closet. My favorite vacuums are the Black and Decker ones that use the same rechargeable batteries as all the other B&D tools. We keep an extra set of batteries and charger by each vacuum so we never run out of power.
4. Use a great litter. The best litter I've found in 26 years of living with cats is Tidy Cats with Crystal Blend Scoopable litter and now I use the new Tidy Cats "Small Spaces" litter mixed in. Even with 3 cats, it keeps odors under control. Make sure to fill your box half full with litter. One of the most common mistakes I see is too little litter in the box. Cat's like a very clean box, if there isn't enough litter, they may go outside the box. And if they use the box without enough litter, it will stink horribly!
5. Remember to scoop often. Make that job easier by keeping a large scooper hanging near the box, and plastic grocery bag holder attached to the inside door. Keep it stuffed with lots of grocery bags. Every day, scoop the pet waste into a bag, double bag it, tie it up airtight and put it in the trash.
6. Keep a roll of paper towels near wherever the litter box is. If it's in a closet, use a paper towel holder that screws into the door and hang the paper towels on the inside of the door. Also keep a spray cleaner handy.
7. Empty the box completely once a month. Dump the litter into one of your handy grocery bags. Use your paper towels or a disposable pop-up cleaning product such as Clorox Wipes handy to clean the litter box and the surrounding floor. When you are done, throw the towels or wipes in with the litter, tie the bag up tight and dump it in the trash!

There you have it. A nicely organized litter box area. So what's keeping you? Go and organize that litter box today so you'll never again have a guest smell the cat before they even meet the dear furbaby!

© 2006 Ariane Benefit, Organizing Coach, Neat & Simple Solutions

Would you like to simplify your life and get more organized? Get lots more organizing tips at http://www.neatandsimple.com plus get her free e-book, 100 Ways to Organize Your Busy Life! Ariane Benefit is an organizing expert, author and coach who has been quoted in Psychology Today, the Wall Street Journal, and more. Visit her popular Neat & Simple Living Blog at http://blog.neatandsimple.com Ariane has over 25 years experience helping businesses and individuals get the results they want. Take a peek inside her book, Neat & Simple Guide to Organizing Your Office at http://www.neatandsimple.com/organizingyouroffice.html