How Fast Will Your Cat Grow - The Important Stages In A Cat's Life

Just like having a child, it can be incredibly fulfilling bringing a kitten into your family and watching it grow up. It takes only a year for your cute little kitten to mature into a cat. It can seem hard to believe but it will happen fast. Being prepared is the goal here. So what are the key milestones for a young cat?

The First Moments

Kittens Cats

Kittens are born blind and they are completely dependent on their mother. The first stages will involve learning to eat and then growing. The kitten's eyes will open and he will want to explore. At four weeks old, he is romping around shakily with his siblings. At this time he can begin to learn to use the litter box and should start to become a social animal. In the wild, the kitten's mother will start to supplement his diet with dead mice and other small pretty. But, you may want to give him some soft kitten food or some dry food that is softened a little with water.

How Fast Will Your Cat Grow - The Important Stages In A Cat's Life

Six Weeks

He's now six weeks old and he is more than ready to explore the home. If he's indoors, he will move from room to room. A feral kitten will follow his mother when she goes to hang out with the other cats. These cats will still receive mice from their mother, but they aren't dead anymore. Instead, the kitten has to learn to hunt the animal. Those who are eight weeks old will be completely weaned from their mother and are ready to go to a new home.

The Next Months

Through the next several months, the cats will grow really fast. You'll need to get them in to be vaccinated at this time so that they are healthy and strong. They will begin to learn what they have to do to live with their families and learn which behaviors are okay. You can teach your kitten his name as well as a few simple commands now. If the cat has long hair, make sure to get him used to allowing you to groom him, although the cat's coat doesn't need to be brushed just yet.

Sometimes, cats will suddenly develop a bad attitude. Believe it or not this is an adolescent stage for them. This happens when the cat goes from being a kitten into being a mature cat. Sounds just like children, right? This will happen around the fifth to six month and may last until the cat reaches a year old. They will still be playful but may get carried away to play too aggressively. If your cat is not neutered at six months of age, he will be mature enough to reproduce now. Neutering the cat will help this stage of his development go more smoothly. At six months, the cat looks the way he will look as an adult even though he may still become larger.

Adulthood

Just like humans, adult cats will continue to go through stages. But, these stages can be dealt with quite easily. And, unlike that mid life crisis you may have, the cat isn't likely to go out to purchase a sports car at this age!

If you take care of your kitten's health as he grows into an adult cat you will have a fulfilling relationship that will bring both you and the cat great satisfaction.

How Fast Will Your Cat Grow - The Important Stages In A Cat's Life

Everything I know I learned from my cat. (By SteveCash83)

Everything I know I learned from my cat. (By SteveCash83) Video Clips. Duration : 2.68 Mins.

Hello, I'm Steve Cash. This is a little tribute video to my little kitty, Sylvester. He talks, bites, scratches and sleeps. Thats about it, but I love him. Flaggle Claggle Flaggle Claggle Flaggle Claggle Flaggle Claggle Flaggle Claggle Flaggle Claggle Flaggle Claggle Flaggle Claggle Flaggle...

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My Cat Keeps Sneezing - What to Do When You Have a Cat Sneezing a Lot

Okay. Your cat keeps sneezing. As long as you don't have a cat sneezing blood, this is probably not a case of something really bad like feline leukemia. He may have caught a "cat cold", or may have just got some dust or allergens in his nose. Regardless, if your cat or kitten keeps sneezing, you will want to take a look at some common cat sneezing symptoms to determine what course of action to take, and how serious the problem is.

When you have a cat sneezing a lot, especially if there is cat sneezing and coughing present, something has gone from a not-so-serious issue to a more dangerous health concern. True, your cat loves to investigate and explore its world with its nose, but that little bit of dust, if left untended, can result in a much more serious matter.

Kittens Cats

In a cat, upper respiratory infection is a very common ailment that can be diagnosed rather easily. If you have cat sneezing and runny nose, and these symptoms are accompanied by loss of appetite, depression, and coughing. The good news is you can keep this from occurring when your cat keeps sneezing if you treat the flu-like symptoms quickly.

My Cat Keeps Sneezing - What to Do When You Have a Cat Sneezing a Lot

But, you ask, how can I treat my cat? I can not afford an expensive vet trip, and hate to see my feline friend stuck and prodded and mad at me. What are your options? You have only two options here other than an expensive, painful vet trip.

If your cat or kitten sneezes periodically, give it a day and see if it stops. It could be that a local environmental effect like dust or dirt has lodged in your pet's nasal passage, and will be sneezed out. But if your kitten or cat keeps sneezing a lot, you can be certain that there is a bigger problem at hand. At this point, we can rule out ignoring the problem, as it can become much more serious, and even lead to feline leukemia or lung problems.

The only available option if your cat keeps sneezing is actually a treatment that has been around since the beginning of time, and a treatment that wild cats use all the time. Using natural herbs and naturally occurring substances and minerals as opposed to chemicals and medicines produced by man is the practice of homeopathy. Many veterinarians and pet experts have been saying for years that our current medicinal practices and pet foods may actually be shortening our beloved pet's lives.

Employing homeopathic, holistic cures found in nature is preferred for many reasons. First, there are no side-effects. Vet cures can have painful side-effects, some of them worse than the symptoms they are meant to cure. Homeopathic cures are also non-intrusive. There is no scaring your cat with a vet, no shots, and no cramming him into a cat carrier. Homeopathic cures are sprinkled or dropped onto your pet's tongue, and that is it. Oh yeah, there is no devastating veterinarian's bill, either.

My Cat Keeps Sneezing - What to Do When You Have a Cat Sneezing a Lot

Are Cats Smarter Than Dogs?

For as long as I can remember I have heard that dogs are much smarter than cats.

However, I have felt that just because a dog will do tricks and most cats don't, is not reason enough to say cats are not smart.

Kittens Cats

My theory has always been that cats are so smart that they won't learn any tricks unless they want to.

Are Cats Smarter Than Dogs?

It is not something they have to do.

Dogs by nature are social animals and their main goal in life besides eating, is to please their people.

Cats on the other hand lack the "gene" that makes it important to please anyone, but themselves.

Why have I brought this subject up?

Well I read an article that discussed feline intelligence in Cat Watch, a magazine put out by Cornell's School of Veterinary Medicine.

It went on to say, at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, researchers have found that the structure of a cat's brain and that of a human brain are very similar.

To quote the article "the physical structure of our brain and that of cats are very similar: they have the same lobes in the cerebral cortex (the seat of intelligence) as we do. Our brains function the same way, conveying data via identical neurotransmitters."

What that means, is our cats take in data from the 5 senses and process it just like we do.

Hmmmmm, thinking cats. Who would ever believe that?

But, it is true, cats process things in a way similar to our way of thinking. They actually make decisions.

Animal Discovery.com says that cats are: "incredibly resourceful and self-reliant, the species has survived thousands of years in radically different environments and living conditions. Even domestic cats show a crafty, strong-willed and versatile nature."

There is so much about cats that we take for granted or if the truth be known, we don't even think about.

When we see a cat sitting in a doorway or staring off into space, we just laugh at it, not realizing that the cat is actually thinking about what it is going to do next.

The cat is surveying the situation, using its 5 senses to determine whether it is safe or not to move onward.

We think of a cat as a somewhat anti-social animal because it is solitary by nature, but cats can adapt to conditions just as we do.

"The fact that a cat can adapt to different situations is a sign of intelligence, that goes beyond conditioning or instinct," says Dr. Julia Albright of Cornell's Veterinary School.

Cats do socialize with each other, if the situation warrants it: such as meeting at an eating or drinking place (the barn, fishing pier or where someone feeds stray cats.)

Did you know that domesticated female cats and lions are the only two species of cat that will raise their young in a group with other mothers, if it is necessary?

Cats also learn by observation.

Just because kitty is sitting there staring into space does not mean it is daydreaming. It may be learning, by watching you, how to open the cupboard door.

Kittens that are raised without their mother or other cats to observe, do not do a lot of things we consider normal behavior for cats.

Cats also retain memory, they are smart enough to know when they are scolded not to do that behavior in front of you again. They will wait until your back is turned.

Dogs on the other hand will repeat a bad behavior several times, before it finally sinks in that they are not supposed behave that way.

We will all agree that dogs are easier to train to do tricks than cats, but dogs have the predisposition to please and learning tricks is one way to please.

Cats can learn tricks, but it is harder to get them to do things, unless you provide a reward that is really appealing.

There is also the thought that dogs have been selectively bred for certain behaviors, cats have been cats forever.

There has not been a time when a cat has been selectively bred to hunt, catch birds or play only with blue yarn balls.

I agree that the particular breeds of cat have been kept as pure as possible, but have you ever heard of a cat species being bred to do a chore such as "rounding up mice."

In truth I guess it is impossible to say which species is smarter, dogs or cats, but I will leave you with this thought, "dogs have masters, cats have staff."

Need I say more?

Are Cats Smarter Than Dogs?

A Cat's Tail Tells All

Have you ever wondered what your cat is feeling? Did you know that you can tell by the movement of their tail? A cat will convey their emotions through a simple motion of their tale. Just as we can show our feelings without talking through our body language, cats do the same with their tail.

Now to interpret their movements is going to allow you to know exactly what your cat is feeling or experiencing at that moment. This will also help you to leave a cat alone who does not want to be bothered or shower them with love when they want attention.

Kittens Cats

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

A Cat's Tail Tells All

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

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

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

Another tail movement that has more than one meaning is when your cat is swishing its tail back and forth. If the swishing movement is rapid and forceful, your cat is not in the mood to play. However, the opposite is true if the movement is gentle. A swishing motion is often an indication that something has caught your cat's attention. It could be thinking about pouncing on a toy or climbing a tree.

There is one movement that may appear cute or harmless, but if your cat is against something with its tail straight up and quivering it could mean that it is marking that object. This type of tail movement is an indication that it is spraying. If you catch your cat backing up to an object, get its attention away from spraying.

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

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

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

A Cat's Tail Tells All

Cats 101- Tonkinese

Cats 101- Tonkinese Video Clips. Duration : 2.77 Mins.

More Cats 101 Video: animal.discovery.com | Tonkinese are lively, friendly, often talkative cats that live well in apartments.

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Cats With Liver Disease - The Symptoms and How To Prepare The Best Diet For Them

It is difficult to identify if a cat is suffering from liver disease because the signs and symptoms are difficult to spot. Showing non-specific symptoms, some might show decrease in appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, depression and jaundice. (Jaundice in cats can be seen by the yellow discoloration of the skin at the base of the ear, and the whites of the eyes.

While other cats pass off pasty looking stool and display inappropriate urination and defecation behavior, according to Dr. Richard Pitcairn, author of the "Complete Guide to the Natural Health for Dogs and Cats," Rodale Press. This happen because fatty liver disease causes the liver to be is weighed down by rapid fat accumulation and simply shut down.

Kittens Cats

In some cases, Dr. Richard mentions that cat owners who use the free feeding method, and has more than one cat must be more vigilant. As it's more difficult to note if your cat is eating regularly, fatty liver disease can develop rapidly in a cat's body if he stops feeding for a week or two. This would be a serious case and immediate medical care would be needed.

Cats With Liver Disease - The Symptoms and How To Prepare The Best Diet For Them

Immediate medication treatment is necessary for the recovery of liver disease. The treatment would depends on the cause and may include antibiotics, coagulation treatment for bleeding disorder, intravenous fluid therapy, appetite stimulants, anti-emetics and diet management.

When preparing a diet plan for a cat with liver disease, note that he would require a high-quality protein diet in moderate amount, with most of the cat's caloric intake coming from non-protein sources. If you are preparing your own food, it is recommended that the diet be based around eggs, cottage cheese, rice and liver. Your cat may also need multivitamin supplement.

Commercial restorative foods for felines suffering from with liver disease include Hill's Feline L/D formula. Royal Canin has several different formulas for hepatic disease, and your veterinarian can help you decide which is best for your cat depending on its current condition. Small, easily digestible and frequent meals are generally recommended. Many experts also recommend organic foods because they are not exposed to chemicals, artificial colors or preservatives.

You might also want to ask your veterinarian if you should add digestive enzymes and S-adenyl-methionine supplement to your cat's diet. Remember that in order to support your cat's liver function; you will have to plan a proper suitable diet that is fresh, organic, with low and quality protein and certainly low fat.

Cats With Liver Disease - The Symptoms and How To Prepare The Best Diet For Them

SmartCat 3833 Peek-a-Prize Pet Toy Box

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Technical Details

• Heavy-duty wood toy box to hide toys inside
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