Cat Flap Training - Some Pointers For Success

Kittens are so cute, everyone loves them. Sooner or later, they need to learn how to use the cat flap. Then it is time for cat flap training. This guide will tell you just how easy it is - you won't believe it.

First thing to take note is that the cat cannot be too young. A kitten cannot be expected to learn to go through a cat flap on its own anymore than you would expect a toddle to learn to open the door by him or herself. The kitten should be well weaned and confident both inside and (more importantly) outside of the house before beginning cat flap training. If the kitten is not confident outside the house then there is no way you will get him or her to use the cat flap!

You will need two of you to do this and you will need to set aside 20 minutes or more. One person is to kneel on either side of the cat flap.

At all times BE GENTLE with your cat. You DO NOT want to scare him or her.

One person is to gently push the cat through the cat flap to the other person. The second person is to then turn the cat around and gently push him or her back to the first person.

Remember: The keyword is GENTLE

Repeat this process for about 20 minutes. Yes, I know this sounds tedious and will take patience for the both the humans and the cat. But if done correctly, this will be sufficient for your cat to learn how to use the cat flap.

So there it is: Cat flap training in under 20 minutes. Yes, boring - but effective and in under only 20 minutes.
By Mary Telford

Mary works part time in a pet motel near her home in NSW, Australia.

Want more detailed information on cat flap training or other training methods for cats why not read this guide to see how easy it really is.

Labels: cat,cat training,cat flap training

What You Need to Know About Cat Food

Cat Food Info #1 Cats Need Protein in their Cat Food

The cat food you feed to your cat should always be rich in protein. This generally should come from meat, poultry or fish. Many cat food brands advertise chicken, beef, and tuna flavored cat food because they know that cats need protein and cat owners are looking for quality cat food. However, you need to make sure the cat food you buy has a sufficient amount of cat food regardless of what flavor it is.

Cat Food Info #2 Cat Food with Taurine

Also check the cat food you typically buy for an amino acid called taurine. This particular amino acid is very important in the overall health of your cat, and your cat will eat as much food as it has to in order to supplement this particular amino acid. So, if you are buying cheap cat food that does not have the proper nutrients your cat will eat a lot. If you buy a nutrient rich cat food then your cat will eat little and save you more money while still getting proper nutrition.

Cat Food Info #3 Canned Cat Food or Dry Cat Food?

Many people do not know whether they should buy canned or dry cat food, or whether it even matters. Because of this, many people simply buy the cat food that is most affordable or convenient for them. This is actually a mistake. Cats should be fed a mixture of cat food. The dry cat food should be given for free feeding, especially if you are away on vacation or out for the day. Canned cat food should be supplemented at other times as well because it has water in the food and significantly more protein than the carbohydrate rich dry cat food. Not to mention the same food over and over might bore your cat and cause him to stop eating that cat food altogether.

Cat Food Info #4 Avoid Cat Food Fillers

Cats need to eat a cat food that is rich in protein, so make sure the amount of fillers is kept to a minimum. Carbohydrates are not essential for a cat’s existence, so don’t buy cat food that is full of them. Instead, read labels and buy cat food that is not filled with fillers and other by products.
By Jay Moncliff

Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.catfoodcenter.info a blog focusing on the Cat Food, resources and articles. This site provides detailed information on Cat Food. For more info visit his site: Cat Food
Labels: cat,cat food,cat tips

What Cat Lovers Should Know About Tapeworms in a Cat

Cats Infomation Source

By Nat Williams
Nearly all cats will experience at least one form of worm infection during their lifetime; among the most widespread worm infestations are that of the roundworm and the tapeworm.

What are Tapeworms?

All worms are parasites that feed off the inside of your cat and can make them rather sick. Worms can be transferred from the mother to the kitten; the litter box is also a source of worm infestation - particularly if you have more than one cat.

The tapeworm is made up of a number of segments and each of these segments contains the eggs of the worm. The segments containing the eggs fall off the worm and are excreted out of the cat's body in its stools.

How Do Cats Get Tapeworms?

The tapeworm may have been passed down to a kitten by its mother. However, the main source of the tapeworm is cat fleas. Fleas eat the tapeworm eggs that are passed in the cat's stool - the cat will swallow the flea when it cleans itself and this is how the tapeworm egg enters your cat's body. If you want to avoid tapeworm infestation then you first need to ensure that your cat is free from fleas. If a cat has fleas then it is more likely to be suffering from tapeworms, which attacks the cat's intestinal tract.

Symptoms of Tapeworms in Cats

You should watch your cat's behavior. Cats who have tapeworms will show more scratching and licking around their anus. Irritability and loss of appetite are other symptoms that the cat has fleas.

Treatment of Tapeworms in Cats

You should always bring your cat to the vet for a checkup if you suspect it has a worm infection. Your vet will most likely treat your cat by prescribing some deworming medicine, which will almost always get rid of the tapeworm problem. You will also need to clean the cat's bed and areas of the house your cat has access to. Combine the treatment with exercise along with a correct diet and regular checkups and your cat should be free of tapeworms.

Prevention of Tapeworms in Cats

In order to prevent your cat from being re-infested with tapeworms, you will have to keep fleas out of your cat and house. A regular dosage of deworming medicine prescribed by your vet will definitely keep the worms out permanently.

Natalie Williams is the author of WormsInMyPet.com. Visit her web site for more tips on treating and preventing worms in your pet.
Label: cat tapeworm,cat lover