Monday, June 28, 2010

Grooming Accessories You Need to Pamper your Cat

Most cats usually groom themselves by licking their coats of hair and other body parts clean. However, they would also enjoy the extra touch that pet owner cats give with a variety of grooming accessories.

Grooming supplies can mean a multitude of items, such as shampoos, detangler, nail clippers, dental wipes and brushes, and other cleaning items.

However, the kind of grooming supplies and treatments that a cat would most likely enjoy would be when you come or wash his or her hair. The other pampering that your cat may enjoy would be when you use decorative collars and jewelry to make him or her look extra special. These grooming techniques can become an enjoyable part of your feline pet’s life.

The reason why these grooming accessories can provide the feeling of being pampered in a cat is because these techniques involve the use of hands. Most cats like a fair amount of affection, and especially enjoy being behind the ears. Therefore, you can use this concept to your advantage when trying to perform a routine tick or flea check. If you find a brush with bristle ends that are soothing to the skin, your cat would really the sensual feeling of you coming the cat’s coat of hair. It would be like a human giving another human a massage or a cosmologist washing a customer’s hair before trimming it. The trick would be to make sure that you use the right size bristles for your cat’s hair length.

Usually long haired cats would require a brush with longer bristles, and a short hair cat would require a brush with shorter bristles. In either case, a cat would enjoy the sensation of a brush with soft or round-ended bristles over the rough intrusion of hard metal and pointed ended bristles. Furthermore, the cat is more likely to let you comb his or her hair if you comb it the direction of the hair’s growth. Combing a cat’s hair, especially for a long-haired feline is similar to the technique used when petting your cat. Make sure you comb the hair along with the hair growth for extra comfort to your animal.

Other supplies used can comfort a cat, but it depends on whether that cat will mind being touched for a long period of time. That would include using shampoos that are as gentle as a baby’s shampoo to wash the cat’s hair. If your cat does not mind getting wet, the calming of hand washing the cat’s fur can be very relaxing to the cat.

In addition, a grooming supply that can be used is a self-grooming arched brush. This arched brush stands upright on a base, and is big enough for the cat to crawl through, but small enough to remove all the loose hair from your cat. Your cat will enjoy this, because most cats love to rub against objects around the house anyway. This will allow a cat to work on removing excess hair, even when the owner is away at work.

Remember these tips about grooming to pamper your cat, because your cat does no more want to be spoiled than does a child.

Another way to pamper your family feline is to make your family cat look great. That way, your cat will feel better going out into the world, mostly because people will respond to how well your animal is groomed. Some safety collars have designs on them made from colored rhinestone, beads, or other decorative stones. You can keep your pet near you in style, and the pet will also be safe as well. Be sure for maximum comfort, to find a collar material that will not irritate your cat’s skin.

Besides using a stylish color to enhance your cat’s attractiveness, you can pamper your cat by tying a ribbon, bow, or bandanna to decorate his or her hair. If you want your cat to look more feminine, you can find ribbons and bows to tie into the cat’s hair to make it look more like you think a female should look. If you want your cat to look more masculine, you can find male hair bandannas or ribbons to make your cat look more like you think a male should look.

Another variation of hair decorations that can be used is different styles of pet barrettes. Some with bows attached to them so you do not have to tie them into your cat’s hair. Others are decorated with rhinestones, diamonds (either real or fake), and other precious gems.

One more item you would make use of, especially in colder climates is cat clothing. Sometimes your pet gets just as cold as you do, and you can buy an attractive sweaters that would fit your cat perfectly. You can also sometimes find short and long sleeve shirts and even shorts for your cat to wear. Search the Internet for “cat clothes”. You will be surprised what you can find if you search for it.

Continue to browse and search the various links available to you to find more and more accessories with which to pamper your feline pet. You and your pet’s quality of life will improve because of it.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Five Easy Steps to Bond with your Cat through Pampering

You finally brought home your perfect new little feline companion and she has taken one look around the apartment and seems to like what she sees. What is there not to like? You have bought her a self cleaning litter box, porcelain food and water dishes, a warm and snuggly kitty bed, high quality food and even some canned cat food, and most importantly, you allow her to jump up onto the couch and bed! Your kitty has just landed in kitty heaven. Yet you wonder what you could do to bond even more with your little feline addition to the family. Follow these five easy steps to bond with your cat through pampering and success will be assured!

First and foremost, do not expect too much when you first bring home the cat. Do not overwhelm her with demands of attention or try to hold her against her will. Instead, when you first bring her home, make sure you have a small room prepared for her. This room should contain her litter box, a food dish, and a water dish. Additionally, have something the cat can use to hide in or under, such as a box with a couple of holes cut into it. Once you bring the cat into the room, simply close the door to the room and open the door to the carrier. Do not pull out the cat from the box or carrier you used to bring her home! Allow her the space and time to come out and check out her new environment when she is good and ready. Similarly, this is not the time to force introductions to other cats, dogs, or even small children. Pamper her by giving her space and time to adjust to her new surroundings.

Secondly, bring her gifts! While food itself is not a gift, a special treat of shrimp or tuna most certainly is. Bring a very small portion to your new cat and speak to her in a very calm and reassuring voice. Once she comes out of hiding to eat the treat you brought, don’t try to grab her. Instead simply keep talking to her. If she comes up to you, very lightly pet her back or scratch behind her ears.

Third, one of the cat’s favorite modes of being pampered is the receipt of little toys. A toy can be anything from a sock tied to a string, to a toilet paper cardboard roll. Store-bought toys are nice, too! Cats love to chase after something, so the little balls attached to fishing pole like toys are always a hit. Another favorite are the catnip mice that are readily available at pet shops everywhere.

A fourth tip is one that is practical as well. Groom her! Get a soft bristle brush and gently brush her back as she walks past you. She will most likely come back for more. This is a great time to groom her, talk to her, brush her, and let her know that you care for her. She will feel comforted by the sound of your voice and look forward to your grooming sessions. Additionally, she will feel confident to come closer to you than she might have felt before.

Fifth is really a common sense approach to cat companionship: make the time it takes to bond, interact, and explore together! Many of those who add cats to their households believe that because cats are so independent, it is not necessary to spend a lot of time with them. Nothing could be further from the truth! As a matter of fact, cats may begin acting out if left alone for too long. Additionally, they may get quite lonely and any bonding process that you successfully started may very well be hindered by long absences. Therefore, be sure to carve enough time out of your busy schedule every day to spend it with your feline companion. As you can see, it does not take a lot of pampering to bond with your cat, a little of the right kind of pampering indeed does go a long way. Furthermore, your cat will eagerly come to look forward the time you will be spending together, so don’t think of it as a chore but as a joy!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Six Great Games to Play with Your Cat

Ever wonder how you could strengthen the bond between you and your cat? There are at least six games you can play with your cat.

Note: The foil ball or hockey puck shape objects used for the first two cat games described should be thrown away or put away after use. It is fine for game use, but not meant to be for unattended cat play.

Two games to play with your cat involve the use of aluminum foil, one of which is called Paw Hockey. In order to play this, first shape a portion of tin foil into a round hockey puck shape. Then, show the cat the aluminum foil puck, and then place it on an uncarpeted finish hardwood, linoleum or tile floor. After you place the puck on the floor, then push it enough for it to glide across the room. Soon, your can will want to copy you, by pawing the puck, causing the puck to slide across the floor.

Another game using aluminum foil would be the game called Chase the thing on the String. This game involves tying a ball of aluminum foil onto a long stick or poll (the use of twine would be best), and then giggling it around in front of the cat while the cat paws at it. Be sure to let your cat grab the object with his or her paws one in awhile, so the cat can feel like a successful predator.

The Chase the Thing on the String game can also be played with objects, rubber mice, and other objects that can be attached easily to a poll with a string.

Two other games you can play with your cat involve the use of a ping pong ball. The first ping pong ball game is called the Staircase Dash. First place your cat at the top of the stairs (or pay attention for an opportunity when your cat is already waiting at the top of the stairs). Then, from the base of the stairs, fling a ping pong ball against the side wall of the staircase, about two steps below where the cat is sitting. This thrown ball will then bounce down the steps, and the cat will vigorously chase after the ball as it bounces its way down the steps.

A second game using a ping pong ball would be for the game Bathtub Scurry. First, clear any shampoo and soap bottles from around the outside of the tub, and clear out any bathtub toys. Then, put your cat in the clean, dry bathtub, and show the cat the ping pong ball. After that, you should bounce the ball off the side of the tub to get it moving. Your cat will begin chasing after the ball as it bounces around. If the ball begins to slow down, give it another roll to get it going again. Your cat will love this game and be amused for quite some time.

Another cat game to play would be shadows on the wall. This is played by the use of a flashlight, and small objects. First, you should start by shining light onto a wall in a dark room. Then you can take small cat toys or other small objects, and the cat will chase after the shadows, as if he or she is chasing after a predator. Another variation of this would be to make birds, mice, or other animal shapes with your hands that would be represented by shadows on the wall. The cat would recognize the shape of these shadows and chase after those as well.

Another fun cat game for you and your cat to play together is the Chase the Bubbles game. You can purchase already made bubble mix or make some of your own. Then, you can take a bubble wand, and blow bubbles in all different directions around the room, or even outside. Watch as your cat jumps up, or runs to try to catch the floating bubbles. This will keep you and your cat busy for quite awhile.

Another technique to use when playing this game; would be to alternate between blowing bubbles around the room and waving the wand around the room.

If you need a recipe to use to make your own bubbles to use for the Chase the Bubbles game would be the following: Mix ½ cup of dishwashing liquid, 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons glycerin, and ½ teaspoons sugar together. This is the same recipe that is often used for creating bubbles to use for children.

These six games will keep you and your cat busy for hours, and help the cat to get the exercise he or she really needs.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Pamper Your Cat with the Hottest Styles in Collars

Your pet is a part of you, and when you pamper your pet, you are really pampering yourself. You can take your cat out in style, decorating him or her with one of a variety of stylish collars. Some of these styles are just for decoration alone, though, but also for safety, as well as to help you keep time.

It is important to differentiate between a safety collar, and a collar just for decoration. However, be assured that even the more practical collars (to keep your animal near you, and for keeping track of time while on the road) come in up to date styles that would make your pet look very attractive.

One of the hottest styles of cat collars today is the personalized rhinestone slide letter and charm collar. These collars are meant for decoration purposes only, especially if your can already wears a safety collar.

You can choose initials, names, or small phrases to add to the collar. Furthermore, you can get a matching bracelet for yourself, which would most likely be the extra small size. The best slider letter bracelets to buy are slider charms that are coated with Rhodium and contain genuine Swarovski crystals, and the clasps of the collars have tiny rhinestones embedded in them.

The collars themselves often come in various colors such as light blue, light pink, black, red or other color, and the stones come in various colors such as sapphire, pink, lilac, pearl, or other colors. Besides getting rhinestone letters attached, you can also get various shapes, such as a heart, star, cat paw, or cat face shaped emblems. You can find a rhinestone slide letter collar that fits right for your pet, and you can even order them over the internet. Just use your web browser and you can access them very easily.

Another type of collar is similar to the one above, except that it is designed more to be a safety collar, and not just an ordinary jewelry collar. Each of these collars is decorated with a small colored rhinestone pattern with color schemes including baby pink, emerald, purple, red, green or other colors. In addition, each of these collars contains at least one D-Ring to use to add a leash or for adding charms. These collars come in sizes from extra small to 4 extra large. These safety collars are just as fashionable as the ones merely for decoration, but serve to keep your animal protected and near you.

Another type of collar for pets has a dual purpose. It is the one that tells time. These are collars that come in a similar design as a human leather watch. Some of these collars have digital time watches on them, while others have the classic decorative face clock watches on them. You can walk your pet and keep track of the time all in one, so you have no excuse for being late anywhere, even if you yourself do not like to wear a watch.

Furthermore, this is a very sophisticated looking collar, and it will allow you to present your animal anywhere in luxury and style.

If you are a pet owner that does not mind wearing watches, you are most likely to find a matching bracelet or “collar” that would fit you as well. You and your cat will be noticed, and everyone would know that you and your pet will belong together.

Most designs of collars with the watch also come with a lead leash to attach to the ring of the collar (of course most people do not walk cats, but it is possible). This collar ring would be big enough to add a name tag onto, which is recommended for most pets, including cats. This helps for the cat to be returned to you if it is lost.

The above examples of pet collars are only a few of the ways you can pamper your cat by helping him or her look her best. Feel free to brows through all the types of collars for your cat. Some close with a buckle, while others glide shut, and yet others snap. Many of them adjust to fit your cat is it grows from a kitten to an adult. Furthermore, most collars have places to add decorative charms made out of a variety of materials.

With hundreds of stylish collars to choose from, you are sure to find one that is right for you and your cat. If you do not find what you are looking for, feel free to click on one of the links on this page or other pages to find a representative from a pet supply store who can help you.

You are sure to find the right size and style collar that is appropriate for you cat within a few clicks from now. If you need further help, remember many online services are here for you.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Grooming Tips for your Short-Haired Feline

Most cats will lick themselves all the time. This is there way of keeping themselves clean. However, a cat owner can further help with improving the cat’s overall hygiene. Read further for simple tips on grooming your short-haired feline friend.

Short haired cats do not need to be groomed as often as long haired cats need it, but it is recommended to be done at least twice a week (versus every day for long haired cats). The reason why is to make sure that the cat is free from flees and ticks, and to check for any other abnormalities, such as bald spots or inflammations of the skin.

Your cat’s overall health will be greatly improved by keeping its hair neatly combed and wash, and trimmed periodically. The best type of brush for a short haired cat would be one with very short bristles. Too long of bristles, especially if the bristles are metal, can cut your cat’s skin. Be sure when combing your short haired cat that you use the proper comb for it.

Even though a short haired cat is less likely to get hair balls or mats (chunks of cat hair stuck together or tangled), it is still possible. Be careful when trying to remove them, especially in older cats. Before cutting off a hair matt, make sure that you insert a comb underneath the matted hair, above the skin. Then, very carefully cut with a cat grooming scissors, and be sure not to scratch or puncture the cat’s skin.

One brush contains extra small pins, and a small enough head to make brushing cats very easily. Be careful to brush the direction of your cat’s hair growth, otherwise you may hear it snarl. (Washing your cat’s hair in the wrong direction is like petting an animal’s hair in the wrong direction, and causes discomfort to the pet.)

Another necessary step in helping keep your cat clean and well groomed is to give the cat a bath. It is recommended to take a towel and a small carrier into the bathroom with you in case your cat gets upset before, during or after the bathing routine. The cat can be placed in it until he or she calms down.

When bathing the cat, it is best to use the proper shampoo. A gentle cat shampoo that lathers up pretty good is recommended. Either that, or if a cat has dandruff, it is best to use a shampoo that will help reduce the dryness and flaking of the cat’s skin. If the cat does not have dandruff, but instead has fleas, be sure to use a flea shampoo, and the proper flea comb to remove them.

Other grooming tips, when applied can help giving your cat a bath much easier, and safer. One tip to remember before putting your cat into the bathwater (usually in a sink or baby bath pan, because cats are too small to fit in a bathtub) is to make sure that your house temperature is at least 70 degrees, so your cat does not freeze when taken out of the water to dry.

Furthermore, before you put your cat into the bathwater, sure to check the temperature of the water, so it is not too hot or too cold for your cat. The part of the hand that provides the most accurate indication of water temperature is the on the back of your hand, or on the wrist. Best results for providing the right water temperature is to make sure you periodically test it when you are filling up the sink or other bath basin with water, and not afterwards.

One more tip to remember when it is time to bathe your cat is to keep on hand at least two towels on hand. One should be used for drying, and the other towel should be used for wrapping. For greater warmth, a blanket can also be used after towel drying to prevent the cat from getting a cold or sickness.

To protect the cat’s ears while bathing, you can insert cotton balls into your cat’s ears. Inserting these cotton balls can reduce the chance of ear infection from forming, especially immediately after the cat is removed from the bath water.

When you remove your cat from the bath water, be sure to quickly and thoroughly dry the cat off.) This, along with making sure the cat’s ears are plugged will taking a bath will help fight against the possibility of cold or sickness when the cat’s wet body is exposed to the air (even if the room temperature is 70 degrees, because the water is usually slightly hotter than that).

After you give your cat a bath, it is better to let your cat rest for a little while, especially if the cat is upset from having to take a bath. When your cat is calm, and then will want to comb and/or trim his or her hair, and check for matted hair. Again, cats with short hair are less likely to have tangled hair, but if there is, you can use a cat hair detangler to spray onto the coat of hair. This will help make combing through the tangles easier.

When trimming a cat’s hair, be sure that you have the proper grooming scissors, and be sure that you using a comb underneath the scissors, so you do not scratch or puncture your cat’s skin. If you do not feel comfortable cutting your own cat’s hair, or if you do not have the patience you can hire a professional pet groomer who will do it for you. However, if you just keep in mind to just make sure you cut evenly, without hurting the cat, you will be just fine grooming your cat at home.

For more tips on cat grooming and other aspects of raising cats, read the other articles on this page, or feel free to click on one of the sponsored links.

A wealth of information is available to you at your fingertips about how to properly groom your family feline. Be sure to take advantage of it.