Claw Clipping Tips:

• Support your cat securely in your arm left arm with his front paw in your left hand. It may be easier at first to wrap him in a towel with only the paw extended. This is much easier when your cat is relaxed and sitting in your lap.
• Press gently but firmly on the pad area to extend a claw. Hold the front paw between your thumb and index finger and this should extend the claws. It isn’t necessary to squeeze hard. (You may want to practice steps one and two a few days in advance of the actual trimming; to be sure he’s comfortable with your handling his paws.)
• Examine the claw closely under light to find the pink area in the center called the ‘quick.’ This is a blood vessel, and will bleed if nicked. Cats will remember the pain and will make your next clipping more of an adventure than you might like.
• Holding the clippers parallel to the flat part of the claw, quickly snip off the tip, being careful not to cut into the quick, or the pink portion of the nail. Clip very little of the nail until your cat becomes accustomed to the process. Once your kitty relaxes, you can clip more. Don’t worry if you aren’t able to cut all the claws at once. Do as many as you can and give your cat a break.
• Give kitty a treat and a few kind words for being such a good cat. This should be a treat you only give around the time of claw trimming or grooming activities. The more relaxed you and he both are, the easier the process will be.
• Repeat the previous five steps until you have finished the first paw. Remember there are 5 claws on each forepaw and 5 on each rear paw.
• If your cat is comfortable and compliant, continue until the nails on both front feet have been clipped. Usually, trimming the back toenails is unnecessary, and undesirable, if the cat is allowed outdoors. Clip the portion above the quick for each nail and don’t forget the dewclaws. On cats, dewclaws are found only on the front paws, about where humans would have their thumbs — they do not touch the ground. Some cats are polydactyl, and have up to seven claws on any paw. Normally there are four claws per paw, with one dewclaw on each of the front paws. Rear claws don’t need to be trimmed as often or at all; they do not grow as quickly and are not as sharp. You should be able to hold any of the four paws with your off hand; it will become easier with practice.
• If your cat refuses to allow you to trim her claws, get help from a veterinarian or groomer.

Tips:

Keep a barber’s styptic pen or styptic powder handy in case you accidentally cut into the quick. If this should happen, apply the powder to the nail to stop the bleeding, and call it a day.

It may be easier if you have a second person holding the cat. Above all, it’s important that you and your cat both be relaxed.

If at any time your cat becomes anxious, stop immediately. You can do one claw every day, if necessary.

If all else fails, ask your veterinarian to demonstrate the procedure for you, or schedule your cat for regular nail clips by a veterinarian or groomer. Most vets will perform this service for a minimal charge (@ $10).

Materials:

Nail clippers

Styptic powder/pencil

Towel

Reward treat or toy

Trim your cat’s claws every 2-6 weeks or make an appointment with your veterinarian to have them clipped.

When contemplating taking on the grooming of your kitty, it is important to work up to the big moment. Plunging right in will only cause for a traumatic experience for kitty and some cuts and bites for you. First and foremost, go ahead and get your cat accustomed to having her paws touched and massaged. This should be done well in advance of any grooming attempts, so that she does not associate having her paws touched with being groomed. Secondly, read up on the proper techniques. As you may know, there is a blood vessel running inside the claw that can belled profusely when being nicked. Similarly, a wound on her claw can easily become infected since your cat is digging with her paws inside her litter box, and no matter how clean you keep your litter, there are always some bacteria lurking in there. Thus, it is imperative that you avoid clipping too close to that blood vessel. Prior to actually doing the clipping, be sure to get out all the things you think you will need.

The most important tool you will need is the set of nail clippers. This is not the time to skimp and buy something cheap. Similarly, don’t use your nail clippers. Your clippers will most likely only rip the nail and may cause some serious damage. Instead, go ahead and visit your pet shop and invest in some heavy duty Guillotine-type nail clippers made from surgical steel. If they come with an extra blade, this would he even better since it will allow you to remove the other blade for sharpening. Practice using them before clipping day so you know how to hold them comfortably. Another implement you may need is a towel to wrap your kitty in. If she just doesn’t seem to calm down at all, it is best to simply wrap her snugly into a big, soft towel and work on her claws one paw at a time. You may wish to enlist the help of a friend to hold on to your little feline until you and kitty can work out a routine together. Last but not least you will need a good strong light to see the blood vessel that runs though the claws. Make every effort not to cut through this vessel!

Of course, there is no guarantee that you will succeed, and if your cat gets too upset, it is probably best to take a break for a few minutes, hours, or perhaps even days. Getting only one paw done is not the end of the world, and it is better to stop and let kitty regroup than having her traumatized to a point that she will run from you next time you unpack the clippers. Another thing to remember is that scolding your cat will accomplish nothing. Unlike dogs, cats do not take kindly to sternly spoken words, and unlike dogs, they may fear you if you persist in scolding them. The last thing you want to do is scare your little feline companion, so be sure to trim nails with compassion and common sense!

1. Cats make your heart happy. Research has shown repeatedly the effects of cats on easing blood pressure. Researchers have time and again conducted studies in which participants are connected to blood pressure and heart monitors as they pet cats, and the results have been impressive. Petting a cat can reduce your blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and create feelings of well-being and comfort. Individuals with high blood pressure can benefit greatly from spending time with a loving cat. Some studies indicate that simply petting a cat for a sustained period of time can have a similar effect as conventional medication prescribed to patients with high blood pressure.

2. Cats can help relieve loneliness. Many jokes have been made about elderly women and their affinity for cats, but there is a kernel of truth here. Cats really do help relieve loneliness. Simply watch the eyes of nursing home patients when a cat is brought to visit. Their eyes light up as they pet the cat in their lap. The feeling of petting their soft fur is immensely soothing, and the antics of ‘clown cats’ can result in quite an entertaining visit. Cats can be an important part of the lives of their elderly caretakers. For some, their relationship with their cat is the single most important thing in their life. The power of loving companionship to ease stress and loneliness is invaluable and immeasurable.

Also, it has been shown that cats are often quite valuable therapy animals in working with Alzheimer’s patients. The act of holding and petting a cat has been shown to trigger memories in patients who are otherwise incapable of recalling certain memories.

3. Petting or brushing long hair cats can be great physical therapy for individuals with muscle disorders. Recently, long hair cats have been used with patients suffering from muscle conditions. The act of brushing a cat’s thick coat can help to slowly increase flexibility and ease muscle and joint stiffness. Not only is brushing a cat’s hair good for exercising certain muscles, it is also quite relaxing. The best type of cat for this type of pet therapy is said to be the long hair Persian breed.

4. Cats can help troubled youth and mental health patients who live in facilities establish healthy, non-judgmental relationships. Cats have recently been used in facilities that help troubled teens learn important life skills. Having a house pet such as a cat can help young adults learn responsibility. A loving cat can also help troubled teens establish a stable, healthy relationship. For some, this can constitute the most stable relationship in their life. Cats are also used in mental health facilities to provide its residents with a source of companionship and friendship, as well as to help teach responsibility. For some, their relationship with a cat can be life transforming.

5. The power of the fur and the purr. Although dogs have made excellent pet therapy animals for decades, there is nothing quite as relaxing as the luxurious fur of a cat. As most cat lovers will attest, it just begs to be combed and petted. Cat’s coats tend to be much softer and thicker than dog’s. The texture of a cat’s coat evokes feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and well being.

The unmistakable purr of the feline is another important aspect of why cats make good pet therapy animals. A cat’s purr has long been associated with feelings of relaxation, warmth, and comfort. Indeed, researchers have begun doing research on the effects of a cat’s purring on their owners. A cat’s purr is also being credited with helping perennial insomniacs finally catch some shut-eye. In fact, a recording of a cat’s soft purr is currently being marketed to individuals who have trouble falling asleep. The creators of the recording claim that the sound of a cat’s purr can help almost anyone achieve a good night’s rest.

First and foremost, resist the urge to give in to those begging eyes and loud meows. Table scraps may smell heavenly to your little feline companion, and it may make you feel like a wonderful bonding time to be eating dinner with your cat, but keep in mind that some foods, such as chocolate and onions, are actually toxic to your cat and your giving in to her does her no favors. Additionally, considering how much fat is in our foods, it is only a logical conclusion that your table scraps will introduce to much fat into her system to be properly digested. The result of this will be an overweight, unhealthy cat. Quite possibly the worst consequence of your giving your furry companion some of your food for dinner is the fact that it will sate her appetite, and she will turn up her little nose at her own food. Now cats have special dietary requirements that are germane to the species, and a lack of intake of these nutrients will result in sickness and might even cause death. This is not to say that a little plate for Thanksgiving, Christmas or your kitty’s birthday or adoption day will spell death and destruction for her. As a matter of fact, a little bit of turkey will be good for her! Just make sure that this is the exception rather than the rule, and resist the temptation to feed her from your table and instead fix her a special bowl before the meal.

Secondly, inappropriate feeding may lead to a number of health risks in your cat. Fatty liver disease, obesity, and painful urinary tract disorders are at the top of the list of problems encountered when cats are not properly fed. Please keep in mind that these illnesses are not only the result of being fed table scraps, but –depending on the cat- may also be the result of inferior quality commercial cat food. Probably the biggest myth that many cat lovers fall victim to this the tale that all cat food is created equal. This is simply not true, and you will do well to discuss cat food options in general and those for your little furry companion specifically with your veterinarian.

Third, and probably just as importantly, get into a good working relationship with a veterinarian. Cat food choices have become so complex, with each manufacturer touting its own brand over all others, that the average cat owner will become quite confused by the varied claims. Additionally, keeping in mind that a lot of cat foods have been manufactured keeping our human sensitivities in mind, such as the idea of shape, size, color, and even smell, it is no wonder that it is hard to discern which food is actually meeting your kitty’s nutritional needs and which is simply making her bloated and maybe even sick. A veterinarian will be able to help you maneuver through the maze of a cat’s nutritional needs, understand the difference between taurine and other nutrients listed on the label, and she or he will also help you to finally put to rest the nagging question: dried or canned?

Well, first and foremost is their intriguing background. These cats are actually the offspring of the first cross breeding of an Asian leopard cat with a regular domestic cat. Some used to refer to this wonderful little animal as the “Leopardette� while others called it the “Bengali�. It appears that we can thank a Mrs. Jean Mill for this cat, since in the 1980s she acquired some of them from a geneticist and then bred them with some feral cats. The results are magnificently spotted or striped animals. Their fur is the first tip off to their ancestry, since it is a very thick pelt that may have spots and sometimes even carrying the signature stripes of the tabby. Colors may vary from the nut brown to a faint tan or gold. These cats actually still have the look of the wild in their eyes, and an enthusiasm for life and exploration to match. Nonetheless, they do have the domesticated cat’s temperament and are a good match for active people and families.

They are small animals, weighing in at less than fifteen pounds, and usually reaching only about eight pounds. One of the most amazing aspects of this breed is its fondness of water. Usually a cat will turn into a hissing ball of fur, claws and teeth if brought within the vicinity of water, yet this breed actually loves to play in water if given a chance!

If you have finally fallen in love with the perfect little kitten, it is time to consider the best place to put her when you introduce her to her new home and family. Ideally, you will confine her to a small room for the first couple of days; this way, she will have an easy time identifying her food dish, what it is that you are giving her as food in the first place, her water dish, as well as her litter box. Additionally, this will permit her to learn which of the accommodations in your home her bed is. By confining her to this small room, you are permitting the kitten to have quick and easy access to all the little things she needs, and she will not have to go looking through a whole big new world for her litter box. The quicker the latter is identified, by the way, the easier the box training will be. Should your kitten instead go off and do her business behind the sofa or under the kitchen table, it will be so much harder to discourage her from doing so in the future, especially since the smell will be there. Similarly, you will want to establish early on if your little Bengal is allowed on the couch, bed, or easy chair, or if she will have to sleep only on her little kitty bed. Since these cats are fond of a soft lap and some snuggling, you may want to consider giving her couch and bed privileges.

Food is another big aspect of pampering your little feline. Be certain to purchase a high quality chow, and also feed at the age appropriate stages. Kitten food should be given until the cat is at least one year old. If you are breeding your cat, you will also want to feed this high fat and high protein mix to your pregnant or lactating cat. Conversely, you may wish to supplement dry food with canned food and by doing so you will offer your kitty a wonderful variety of flavors! Of course, remember that your kitten may become spoiled and may not want to go back to the dry food once she has tasted the wet food. Overall, baying your Bengal is very easy, give her lots of love and attention, some good food, a soft bed, and you will have a happily purring kitten on your hands!

Make no mistake, this is painful for a cat to undergo, and it will take the cat several weeks to recover physically. Typically, declawing is only done on the front claws, leaving the back feet intact; this isn’t necessarily good, as a cat can do massive damage with back claws alone once it clamps onto you with its teeth!

You should not declaw your cat unless you really need to – and there are a few reasons why you should. Here are five reasons given by people to declaw their cats, some good, and some bad.

“He claws up my furniture.” Cats are going to claw things; it is not just instinctive, it is physically necessary for them to keep their claws at a manageable length. There are alternatives to declawing a cat to protect your furniture; you can purchase a scratching post and train the cat to use it, for instance, or you can get claw sheaths that fit over each claw and then clip the cat’s claws regularly.

“He will scratch the baby.” This is a much more valid reason than the cat clawing the furniture. If you have a very aggressive cat, it might be something to genuinely worry about. Not only does a cat scratch hurt, but it also can carry some nasty diseases; cats do use their claws to bury their feces, as I remind my son when he wants to let the cat on the table.

“I’m pregnant and afraid of getting toxoplasmosis.” Obstetricians routinely admonish pregnant women to not change the litter box or handle cats that could scratch them because of the risk of toxoplasmosis. However, the reality is that most toxoplasmosis is contracted by gardening or handling raw meat that is infected with the bacterium. If you have a history of problem pregnancies and a cat that will scratch, this might be a valid reason to have your cat declawed.

“I’m an immunocompromised person, and though I love my cat, I can’t afford for him to scratch me.” This is probably the very best reason to get your cat declawed. Immunocompromised people, whether the issue is organ transplant or HIV, need the companionship of those they love, but a simple cat scratch can cause a raging infection that your body may not be able to fight off. If you do have a problem like this, you should get your cat declawed, but you should also be aware that you cannot let your cat outside after this; it will be at a disadvantage against dogs and cats that don’t have this disability.

“I’m afraid of cat scratch fever.” This is also a valid reason, but it’s usually not a danger. Cat scratch fever is spread by bacteria called Bartonella henselea. It is generally found to infect humans in the cold fall and winter months, possibly because your outdoor cats spend more time indoors. About five percent of the US population have been exposed but have not developed this disease. Symptoms include fever, chills, and a lethargy and malaise, and it’s often mistaken for flu. A more serious form involves swollen lymph nodes that may have to be drained; most of the time, this form is found in people with weak immune systems, and it can kill.

The odd thing is adult cats only rarely transmit the disease; most commonly it comes from the kittens. The bacterium lives in the cat’s mouth and migrates to the claws, but only the claws appear to be able to spread the disease. Declawing kittens at an early age if they’re in a household with an immunocompromised person is the only reliable way of preventing the disease; though kittens with the disease can be screened and treated with antibiotics, the bacteria generally comes back. There is also no record of a person having the disease more than once.

And the one good reason to not have your cat declawed: any cat that goes outdoors is exposed to terrible danger if he or she is declawed. Only get your cat declawed for a good reason, and then be aware that you must take pains that he or she never get out of doors alone and unleashed again.

Trimming your cat’s claws can be a daunting task. It is something you would be hard-pressed to be able to do on your own. So before you even try to start, recruit a helper to hold down your cat while you trim its nails. Do you have the necessary tools to care for your kitty’s claws? First, you need a sharp pair of nail clippers. You can purchase a set that is specially made to hold a cat’s claw in place while you cut. You can purchase these special clippers from your veterinarian or a pet store. Otherwise, a normal pair of human clippers or nail scissors should do just fine.

When you are ready to start trimming your cat’s claws, have your helper hold the cat gently, but firmly. Grasp one of the cat’s paws in your hand and press down on one of the toes to extend the claw. Do you see where the nail goes up to a pink area? That pink area is called the “quick� and will bleed if you accidentally cut into it. It also would be painful for the cat. Cut the nail quickly and cleanly just below the pink area. Now, can you repeat that process for the remaining nineteen or so nails? The answer is probably not. Unless you sedate your cat (not really recommended) or your feline is just really, really laid back, you will have to complete the claw clipping in several stages. In the claw clipping process, do not neglect your kitty’s dewclaws. These are like the equivalent to the thumb of a human and are only found on the front paws. Be sure when you stop to take a break that you praise your family feline and even give it a treat for good behavior.

Ok, what happens if you do accidentally clip into the “quick� of the cat’s claw? First of all, stay calm. Your cat will probably be freaked enough and fighting in the arms of your helper. You need to reassure your cat and apply a slight pressure to the tip of that claw until the bleeding stops. If the cat isn’t fighting too much, apply an antiseptic that dries quickly. Avoiding infection is a smart idea. If you are ever in doubt as to how much of the claw you should clip, trim a little less than you probably would go for. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Claw care for your kitty should happen every two to three weeks optimistically or on an as-needed basis. If possible, keep an eye on your cat’s disposition. If your fur ball seems in a laidback mood, try trimming its nails at that time. It is possible to cut them, all on your own, but if your cat takes exception to the fact that you have a pair of clippers in your hand, it can be a difficult task. And if your cat is a bit of a hellion, ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer to clip your cat’s claws. They have the experience, special training and some tips and secrets to getting a cat to cooperate.

Sometimes, however, clipping your cat’s claws does not forestall the scratching in your home. If you do not want to give your cat away to a new home, you might want to consider declawing your cat. This involves removing the claws, through a surgical process, as well as the tissue that the claws draw back into. Talk with your veterinarian about this surgery and whether or not it might be the next step you should take with your cat. As with all medical procedures, there are risks involved like slow healing and infection.

Before taking that drastic step into declawing, try various behavior modification techniques. But most of all, just know that it is natural as breathing for your cat to bare its claws and scratch. If you are lucky, you can train it to use a scratching post to do most of its handiwork.

Your cat’s veterinarian will most likely have identification tags that you can easily hook onto a collar. These tags will have the vet clinic’s office number and address. Most likely, these tags will also have the date of your cat’s last round of vaccinations for rabies and other diseases. You can either have your own contact information engraved on the same ID tags that came from your veterinarian or you can have your own made fairly quickly. It doesn’t matter which tag you include your contact information on, as long as it is there. That way, if something does happen to your cat, anyone who finds it can call you, even the animal shelters.

By talking with your veterinarian or visiting your local pet store, you will find out that there are special collars just for cats. These have a little piece of elastic sewn into it which makes the collar not so rigid and allows for some flexibility in it.  These collars are made to stretch a little just in case your cat gets snagged and stuck while climbing a tree or any else for that matter. The “stretch� in the collar will allow the cat to escape. You have to take care not to choose a collar for your cat that is too elastic. A cat has loose, limber limbs and could easily find itself in a dilemma with a leg stuck inside the collar after a round of scratching.

Another type of collar for cats that just hit the market is one with an easy plastic snap buckle. It is the kind where if you apply pressure to the button on the buckle, it will slide open. This new type of collar is also helpful in those situations where a cat could get trapped in the tree and hang from a tree branch. If the collar was snagged, the plastic snap buckle would do a quick release.

When you are shopping around for your family feline, be sure to inspect the quality of the collars you find. The collar will be worn around the cat’s neck, in a soft vulnerable area. That means you do not want to buy any collar that has sharp edges. It could dig into your cat’s delicate skin. Be sure to also inspect the stitching on the collar. You do not want any of the thread to unravel and cause a potential hazard to your cat. It is preferable to have your cat with you when you shop for a collar. That way, your cat can try on a collar and you could tell if it fits correctly. These collars should fit snugly while still being able to accommodate one of two of your fingers below the collar.

Another reason for your cat to have on a collar is because of government rules. In many areas, there is a requirement that states all pets should be registered and licensed. This is usually governed by the city or county. Statistics show that very few cat owners ever find their missing furry felines at shelters, simply because of the lack of identification. By having a collar, you could get your cat back at no time.

Be sure to give your cat lots of love, attention and treats right after putting a collar on them. Treats will often distract your cat from the weird-feeling collar around its throat. By the time they are done with their treats, many cats soon forget that they are wearing a collar.

Just as humans suffer different types of allergies, cats can also suffer from several types. For example, cats can have inhalant allergies, which are allergic reactions caused by airborne articles, such as pollen or household sprays or chemicals. These types of allergies can irritate the nasal passages, eyes and lungs. Cats can also have contact allergies that can be caused by prolonged contact with a certain substance. Food allergies and fleas are another cause for allergic reactions in cats.

Inhalant Allergies: Pollen and other airborne articles can cause allergic reactions in cats. Just as they do in people, airborne allergies can cause cats to sneeze and have runny, watery eyes. Cats can experience irritated nasal passages and upper respiratory problems. Common airborne articles that can cause reaction in some cats are household aerosols and sprays. Many people do not realize it, but spraying these types of products around some cats can cause breathing difficulties and eye infections. If your cat has these types of allergies, your vet will recommend that you keep the kitty indoors, away from pollen, and can prescribe medications to help with the reactions. For cats that have problems with the eyes, a prescription eye drop can be given.

Contact Allergies: Cats can have allergic reactions to items that they come in contact with. The most common form of contact allergies in cats is due to exposure to certain plants. These often include plants that have oily leaves such as rubber plants. Other forms for contact allergies in cats can include carpet cleaners or fresheners, wool, dust in the home, newsprint, house cleaners, carpet and even cat litter. Usually a cat that suffers from contact allergies will experience itching and discomfort on the skin. There could be skin eruptions, such as hives or bumps on the skin or dermatitis. In some cases, the fur could fall out causing dry, itchy patches on the cat’s skin. Usually, contact allergies that cause problem are more noticeable on the chin, ears, inner thighs, abdomen, and underneath the tail. If you suspect that your cat is experiencing contact allergies, the first step is to take your cat to the vet to determine the cause and course of treatment. The vet will usually recommend a skin patch test to determine the cause and prescribe a topical solution to help the itching. Sometimes, a steroid shot can be given if the case is extreme.

Food Allergies: Cats can be allergic to certain types of foods. While it is true that cats should never be given table foods, some cats can also be allergic to certain types of cat foods. Common allergies to foods are cat foods that contain certain poultry products such as turkey or chicken. Extreme caution should be used when feeding your cat table food. Cats should never be given chocolate and many times dairy products can cause problems with a cat’s digestive system. Prescription foods can be given to a cat that experiences food allergies.

Insect Allergies: Fleas top the number one list of what most cats are allergic to. These little biting critters can irritate your cat’s skin and can cause excessive itching and scratching. Some cats that are allergic to fleas will have patches of fur that fall out or small bumps on the skin. In addition, black “dirt� may be visible on your cat. This is a sign of fleas and your cat should be treated. If your cat has an allergic reaction to fleas, the first thing you must do it treat the allergies. You vet can prescribe medications or topical solutions to ease the itching and heal the skin. After this is under control, the next step is to treat your cat for the fleas. You vet can prescribe a good treatment that is given at intervals on the cat’s skin. Over the counter flea treatments often do not work as well as the prescription. Treating your home for fleas is also a must to ensure that they will not re-infect your cat.

Tip #1 – Take your cue from your cat. Many times, us humans do not know when to stop petting. Usually your cat will instigate a petting session, but they can only put up with so much petting and become over stimulated. Since they cannot turn around and tell us to back off, they let us know in their own way that “enough is enough� by nipping at us. This does not indicate that they are being malicious, but rather that they need their own time-out from the petting. By cueing into their behavior moments before they nip, you can avoid their sharp little teeth. Tensing of the body, tail flicking, and even pinned back ears are all signs leading to the cat’s nipping behavior.

Tip #2 – Stalking and pouncing are all part of a cat’s innate nature. Hunting and stalking prey are ingrained in their genes. That is just what cats do. Don’t take it personally when all of the sudden, out of nowhere, your cat decides you make for a fun plaything and pounce. Luckily for most cats, this playful aggression is just a phase that they eventually grow out of as they enter into their adult cat roles. It is up to you to know how to avoid conflict with your cat during these “playful� times. One way is to deflect this playful aggression away from you before it actually happens. Pay attention to where your cat is and learn the body cues that tell you when they are about to make their move. Another way is to divert their attention to another activity.

Tip #3 – Digging is another cat quirk ingrained in their genetic makeup. This quirk shows up predominately during bodily waste elimination. Just picture them in their litter box. They are always scratching around so that they can cover up their “evidence.� Cats also dig for recreation and can make short work of your garden or houseplants. It doesn’t pay to get upset with what is usually normal behavior for a cat. Instead fight back with citrus products. Cats absolutely hate any citrus smells – orange, grapefruit, lemons and limes. Bury the rinds from these fruits in the soil of your houseplants or outside in your garden’s perimeter.

Tip #4 – Scratching can be beneficial for cats. Using their claws offers up several benefits for cats. For one, scratching helps eliminate dead cells from the claws. Secondly, when cats claw on things, they are marking their territory, both in a visual and scented way. Cats need a sense of their own domain and clawing helps your felines feel more secure. Before scheduling surgery to remove their claws due to their destructive ways, you can help them by providing scratching posts and pads for their use. Use catnip as an incentive by rubbing it on the scratching post.

Tip #5 – All that meowing has a purpose. Sometimes, it seems that your cat’s mission in life is to drive you up the wall with all their caterwauling. However, all that vocalizing is how they communicate. And since we are mere human beings, we just don’t get what they are telling us. However, through a little trial and error, we can determine at least what some of that cat calling is all about. One of the reasons for the incessant meowing could be hunger or boredom. If there is no food in their bowl and it’s close to dinner time, put food in their bowl. If they shut up and eat, you got lucky and figured out that particular meow. Other times, all that meowing could mean that your cat is ready to mate or they are fearful of something. If there is a storm outside or one is about to start, that might be a good indication of why your cat is meowing.

Cats are complex creatures and these five basic co-existing tips aren’t even close to deciphering the moods and quirks of your feline. It could take a lifetime to figure it all out! However, just remember to take your cue from them and always assess a situation before administering punishment to your family feline.