Cats and Excessive Meowing

Recently, my Frosty has been waking me up with random meowing in the bathroom and sometimes he would just sit in front of the balcony door and cry to be left outside. While I figured that he's just being spoiled and has learned that I will jump at every meow, I researched what would be the reason why cats meow. Here's an article I found on http://pets.webmd.com/

Why do cats meow? The reasons change as they grow from kittens into cats. Kittens meow to their mothers when they’re hungry, cold, or scared. But once cats get older, they use other vocalizations -- such as yowling, hissing, and growling -- to communicate with each other. Meowing is reserved for their communications with people.

Of course, the amount of meowing varies by breed and even cat. Oriental breeds, especially Siamese cats, are known as great “talkers,” so anyone who doesn’t like meowing probably should steer clear of these breeds.

And some cats just seem to like to hear their own voices, while others seem to want to carry on a conversation with their owners. If your cat is talking a little more than you’d like, try to figure out the cause first. Once you know the reason, you can then work to get your cat to meow less.

Why Does My Cat Meow So Much?

Cats meow for many reasons, from the serious to the attention-seeking. They include:

Illness. The first step is a thorough checkup by your veterinarian. Numerous diseases can cause a cat to feel hunger, thirst, or pain, all of which can lead to excessive meowing. Elderly cats also can develop an overactive thyroid or kidney disease, both of which can result in excessive vocalizations.

Attention seeking. Despite what some people think, cats don’t like being alone a lot. Cats often meow to initiate play, petting, or to get you to talk to them. If you want to cut down on attention-seeking meows, stop responding when it happens. Only give her attention when she’s quiet. If she starts to meow again, look or walk away. But don’t ignore your pet. Spend quality time each day with her, playing, grooming, and talking to her. A tired pet is a quieter pet.

Wants food. Some cats meow every time someone walks in the kitchen, hoping to get a bite. And many cats become very vocal when it gets close to their feeding times. If this is your problem, don’t feed your cat when she cries. Wait until she quiets to put down food, and don’t give her treats when she meows. If this doesn’t work, get an automatic feeder that opens at set times. Now kitty will meow at the feeder and not you.

Greeting you. Many cats meow when their people come home, or even when they just meet them in the house. This is a hard habit to break, but look at it as kitty saying she’s happy to see you.

She’s lonely. If your pet spends too many hours a day alone, think about getting a pet sitter to drop in during the day, or find other ways to enrich your pet’s life. Put a bird feeder outside a window she can watch. Leave foraging toys out with food inside. Get her a kitty condo and rotate different toys that you leave out for play.

A stressed cat. Cats that are experiencing stress often become more vocal. A new pet or baby, a move or changes to the home, an illness or the loss of a loved one can turn your cat into a talker. Try to discover what is stressing your pet and help her adjust to the change. If that’s not possible, give your cat extra attention and quiet time to help soothe her.

Aging cats. Cats, just like people, can suffer from a form of mental confusion, or cognitive dysfunction, as they age. They become disoriented and often cry plaintively for no apparent reason, especially at night. A nightlight sometimes can help if your cat becomes disoriented at night, and veterinarians often can prescribe medications that help these symptoms.

Cats that want to breed. If your cat isn’t spayed or neutered, then you’re going to hear a lot more noise. Females yowl when in heat, and males yowl when they smell a female in heat. Both can be maddening to live with. Getting your pet spayed or neutered will prevent this.

What Not to Do

Don't ignore it without making sure there’s no problem. Although you don’t want to reward meowing, sometimes cats meow for good reason — they can’t reach their litter box, they’re trapped in a room, the water bowl is empty. Check on them when they meow to determine if it’s something you can safely ignore, or a problem that must be corrected right away.

Don’t punish a cat for meowing. Hitting, shouting, and spraying cats with water rarely work to quiet a meowing cat in the long run, but all those actions will make your cat distrust or even dislike you.

Don’t give in. If your cat is used to getting what he wants from meowing, he’s going to meow more, and louder, when it quits working. In other words, it will probably get worse before it gets better. Just keep rewarding quiet behavior and ignoring meowing, and eventually he’ll get the idea.

Can cats get sunburned?

A couple days ago I noticed Toffee sitting in the sun, his cute white nose completely exposed and I couldn't help thinking: Do cats get sunburns?

Just like humans, cats can get sunburn too. Over time the damage caused can increase the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma which is a skin cancer. White cats, cats with white ears, noses or bald cats are most susceptible to sunburn. This is because of the lack of melanin (skin and hair pigment), and protective hair in these areas. The ears are most commonly affected, although eyelids and noses can also be affected. Solar dermatitis (also known as actinic dermatitis) is a common disorder in areas with warm, sunny climates.

What are the symptoms of solar dermatitis in cats? Initially exposure causes mild redness, hair loss along the ear margins. Scaling, thickening of the skin and itching occur over time. This may cause your cat to shake his head and scratch at the affected area causing bleeding and possibly infection. The dermatitis becomes progressively worse each summer until persistent ulceration and squamous cell carcinoma can develop.

How is solar dermatitis treated? If you believe your cat has been sunburned seek veterinary attention immediately.

Treatment depends on the severity of the burn.

Antibiotics may be required if infection is present.

If sunburn is severe, topical or oral steroid cream may be prescribed.

If squamous cell carcinoma has developed, surgery to remove the cancerous cells (partial pinnectomy) and chemotherapy or radiation therapy will be required.

Prevention is better than cure in this case and the following should be followed with vulnerable cats:

Limiting your cat's exposure to the sun by confining him/her indoors during the hours of 10.00am - 4.00pm.

Application of a waterproof sun block. Speak to your veterinarian about which brands are safe to use on cats.

Early detection is important, so your veterinarian may wish to take a biopsy to determine if your cat has sunburn or squamous cell carcinoma.

How Frosty got his name...and his forever home

It was a cold Winter in Chicago back in 2008. Ok, not as cold as now, but that was the year I had to buy an ice pick to dig out my car out of a really thick slab of ice... That winter, I noticed this cute gray cat hanging out by my back porch, and I started putting out food and water for him. After a few days, we started having regular dates when he'll inhale in one sitting the same amount of food as my other three cats would eat in one day. He was really dirty and I barely could differentiate between the natural gray color on his back and his gray from dirt on paws and nose. Slowly, I was trying to attract him towards my kitchen, to get a better look. He was adorable, had some attitude and walked in like he belonged there (to the dismay of my other 2 boys).

His nose and paws were dirty, he had a chipped tooth, but other than that he looked to be in good shape. During one of our dinner dates in the kitchen/porch he used the litter box, sign that he was housetrained. Just after Thanksgiving he showed up with frost and tiny icicles on his back. That was the turning point, when I couldn't send him back outside. He only struggled for a few minutes before he just settled in the nice warm and clean house, and with enough food and water. He adjusted really fast to the indoor life.

After a short vet trip, I found out that he was a male of unknown age, neutered and front paws declawed. He cleaned up really fast and started enjoying his brothers and sister. His name, Frosty, is a daily reminder of that cold winter night. A couple weeks after making him an indoor cat, I found out that he belonged at some point in time to my neighbor. She was a psychic, very superstitious and very bad with pets. She kept him as an indoor/outdoor cat and, over the Summer, he had brought a dead bird in my neighbor's house. If you ask me, I think that's a very sweet gesture, but my neighbor, being the superstitious person that she was, saw it as bad omen and kicked the poor kitty out of the apartment. While I can't believe that someone would do that, I am glad she did, because Frosty is the sweetest cat ever, and I am happy every day that he's part of the family!

Brushing Your Cat's Teeth in 5 Steps

Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff

Brushing your cat's teeth should not be a chore for you or your cat. Instead, it should be an enjoyable time for both of you. If you take things slowly at the beginning and give lots of praise, you and your cat will start looking forward to your brushing sessions.
Where to begin
Number one, this should be fun for you and your cat. Be upbeat and take things slowly. Do not overly restrain your cat. Keep sessions short and positive. Be sure to praise your cat throughout the process. Give yourself a pat on the back, too! You are doing a great thing for your cat!

First, have your cat get used to you putting things in her mouth. Dip your finger in tuna water, chicken broth, or other liquid your cat may like. Call your cat with a voice that means "treat" and let your cat lick the liquid off your finger. Then rub your soaked finger gently over your cat's gums and teeth. After a few sessions, your cat should actually look forward to this and you can move on.

Now, place a gauze around your finger. (You can again dip it in the tuna water or other liquid.) Gently rub the teeth in a circular motion with your gauzed finger. Repeat this for the number of sessions it takes your cat to feel comfortable with this procedure. Remember to praise her and keep an upbeat attitude.

After your cat is used to having the flavored gauze in her mouth, you are ready to start with a toothbrush, dental sponge, or pad. We need to get your cat used to the consistency of these items, especially the bristles on a brush. So, let your cat lick something tasty off of the brush or pad so she gets used to the texture.

Once your cat is used to the cleaning item you are going to use, you can add the toothpaste (or rinse). Pet toothpastes either have a poultry, malt, or other flavor so your cat will like the taste. Get your cat used to the flavor and consistency of the toothpaste. Let your cat lick some off your finger and then apply some to your cat's gumline with your finger. Praise your pet.

Now your cat is used to the toothbrush and toothpaste and you are ready to start brushing. Talk to your cat in a happy voice during the process and praise your cat at the end. At first, you may just want to brush one or both upper canine teeth (the large ones in the front of the mouth). These are the easiest teeth for you to get at and will give you some easier practice. As before, when your cat accepts having several teeth brushed, slowly increase the number of teeth you are brushing. Again, by making it appear to be a game, you both will have fun doing it.

Most popular cats of 2010

Speaking from the purrspective of a passionate felineophile, there is no such thing as an ugly cat. With the grace and agility for which cats are famous, each and every one of these delightful creatures is uniquely beautiful. However, I must admit I prefer the company of the short haired variety; my own personal favorite breeds being the Siamese and Oriental Shorthairs, of course followed closely behind with the American Shorthair classic silver tabby. But when it comes to the most popular cats in the USA, according to a recent survey made by the Cat Fanciers Association, the American Shorthair was not on the list.

So without further amew, here's the scoop concerning CFA's recent announcement of the top seven of their 41 registered breeds for 2010:

Since the 1970's and once again Persians topped the charts this year. Jerry Hanza, the President of CFA who has bred Persians for 15 years said, "Persians are clearly good friends, they want to be with their people. Mine enjoy my lap while watching the (New York) Jet's game." CFA Vice President and chair of outreach and education, Joan Miller, added, "Of course, they know how beautiful they are. Persians are just glorious. Some are so beautiful they can make your heart stop."

Since the 1990s Maine Coons have hovered between numbers two and three in popularity. Maine Coon cat lovers will be happy to know this year; this sturdy and beautiful breed came in second. Miller attributes this to their enchanting personality, and ability to get along with other species, since many households also share their homes with dogs. She said, ""They're big and bold. Some men want a macho cat". And even though Maine Coons can tip the scales at around 20 pounds, since they are gentle and loving, they make excellent children's pets.

Coming in third is the Exotic Shorthair. With breed standards closely resembling the Persian, these lovely kitties, with plush medium coats, are most appealing to folks who might want to be owned by a Persian, but without the extensive grooming the Persian requires.

The affectionate and lovely Ragdoll assumed fourth place this year, followed in number five by the Sphynx; a cat that many folks consider to resemble "Yoda". Dropping from number five to six is the Siamese. It makes me wonder what caused this breed to apparently drop out of favor with the cat loving public, since years ago, at all the major cat shows across the country, the Siamese cat classes were filled to the brim.

Following in seventh place is the intelligent and playful Abyssinian. Both the Siamese and Abyssinian are extremely active cats. Explaining a possible reason for the decline in the popularity of these two breeds, Miller said, "Maybe people don't want all that activity."

So what is your favorite breed? Leave a comment and let us know.

Why Do Cats Sneeze?

Sneezing in cats can happen because of a variety of different things, from environmental factors to infections. If you are the owner of a cat who has a tendency to sneeze on a regular basis, you are probably curious to know why. Finding the source of the sneezing requires a basic understanding of the various sneezing triggers.

Bacteria is a common cause of sneezing in cats. Pseudomonad, pasteurella, streptococci and bordatella are all examples of bacteria that can cause respiratory infections in cats. These bacteria can be transmitted from animals to humans as well, even if the animal appears to be healthy. So, if your cat is sneezing and has watery eyes, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before and after handing the cat, and take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
The Rhinotracheitis Virus: While sneezing is a common symptom of the rhinotracheitis virus, the cat usually will also have a low-grade fever and a case of conjunctivitis. After exposure of the rhinotracheitis virus, the virus incubates within the body of the cat for two to six days. Although there might be times that the virus remains dormant thanks to various medications, in most cases the cat usually harbors this virus for the rest of its life.
Litter: Litter is something that a cat uses everyday. So, if you happen to notice that your cat sneezes on a daily basis, the litter might actually be the cause. When a cat paws at its litter, the litter often emits a fine dust. When the cat inhales this dust it can aggravate the fine hairs in the nose, thus causing the sneezing.
Household Products: Various products that are use within the household can also irritate the nose of a cat to such a degree that it starts sneezing. These household products include things like perfume, deodorants, cleaning solutions and bug spray.
Allergies and Persians: Usually, cats that have an allergy to something will mainly exhibit itching. However, if the cat is allergic to various substances in the air such as mold or pollen, sneezing can occur.
If you are the owner of a Persian cat, then you might notice the cat sneezing. The pushed-in nose makes the Persian more sensitive to respiratory infections, as well as irritants from household products.
Dental Abscesses: Sneezing, as well as nasal drainage are common signs of an infection in the third upper premolar tooth. This is because that tooth is located quite closely to the nasal passages of the cat.
Treatment: It is very important that the cat be taken to the vet to ascertain the root cause of the sneezing. If the sneezing is caused by a household or airborne allergens, then the cat should be kept away from those household or airborne allergens. If the sneezing is cause by a respiratory infection, then the veterinarian might give the cat saline spray nose drops or antibiotic nose drops.
* from ehow.com

Beginner's Guide to Owning a Cat

Owning a cat is simply one of life’s better pleasures. Cats are unique creature with highly distinctive tastes and personalities. Studies show that cats are an excellent stress manager, blood pressure reducer, and generally good entertainment and source of companionship. With their relative independent nature, cats make very good pets for people who prefer the subtle company over that of the bounding company of a dog. Despite the common notion that cats are less of a responsibility than dogs, cats are still a life that requires care, making them just as much of a responsibility as any other animal.

True, cats don’t generally need to be walked in the rain, taken to obedience classes, or kenneled for a weekend away, they are still in need of constant care and vigilant ownership. The least responsible thing a person can do with a cat is allow their feline friend outside, un-neutered and un-spayed, to go off and produce more kittens. If you’re going to get a cat, the cat should be sterilized. This isn’t because people shouldn’t witness the miracle of birth or revel in new life or even wonder at the preciousness of kittens that are created by such a fantastic kitten. It’s because nearly 2 million unwanted cats and kittens are euthanized every year. There is no responsible reason to add to the number. If you find homes for all of your kittens, that’s an entire litter that remains at a shelter waiting euthanasia. Pretty sickening statistics, especially when it costs about $100 or less to get your cat spayed or neutered.

Despite the statistics, cats are rapidly becoming more prevalent in today’s society. Cat lovers have found places for their cats at work, at play, and definitely at home. Once thought of as homebodies, cats are now accompanying their owners to a multitude of life’s events. They are extremely adaptable and often welcome their new challenges, provided there is a competent owner near by to oversee the entire prospect.

The care free attitude that a cat can take care of himself is finally slowly starting to dwindle in the United States. Even just ten years ago, the number of un-inoculated barn cats, street cats, and outdoor cats was unreasonably high. The number of cats not receiving medical care when necessary was just as high. People had cats to help take care of rodent problems, but didn’t repay their servitude with the basics of regular shots and veterinary care. The numbers of cases as such are now dropping, but the situation still remains. There is a re-education of American cat collectors in full swing, bringing this crisis into full view for many new found cat lovers.

While it may be an obvious statement but it bears stating, cats are not dogs, and can’t be treated in the same manner. Humans who are particularly used to their interactions with dogs often find themselves confused when their cats respond with such aloofness and nonchalant attitudes when they attempt to create the same standards with a cat. Dogs require leadership. Cats require a high level of thought when it comes to training, discipline, and even sometimes interactions. Cats think differently than dogs, and to truly enjoy a cat in your life, you do need to have at least some understanding of how and why they do the things they do.

Cats can be trained. Well trained, in fact. And while they can often be bribed into a favor or two using treats, training a cat requires diligence, persistence, and most definitely patience. Cats often have a mind of their own, regardless of their human’s opinion. But then again, that is why we love them the way that we do, isn’t it?

Of you’re considering entering the world of owning a cat, take a moment and ask yourself what it is that you are expecting from the experience. Many would be cat owners realize all too late that their passion for cats is spawned mostly by myth. There are ample myths related to cats, their personality, and their habits. Cats haven’t always gotten a fair shake. Their behavior is often more of a response to their humans’ behavior than something ingrained in them. If you leave your cat alone most of the time, and don’t relate to him, he’s going to become rather aloof. If you spend the time to get to know him, play with him, and pat attention to his needs as well, he’s going to make a much better companion for you.

Nobody can deny the absolute delight that a friendly cat can bring into the lives of humans. Their antics are one of kind hysterical, complete with showy behavior that can drive a room full of adults into mind splitting laughter. In the right mood, cats can be quite the entertainers.

Owning a cat is like owning a chronic surprise in your back pocket. Dogs are predictable. When you come home, they will wag their tail. When you go get their ball, they will bounce with anticipation. Cats on the other hand, are continuously responding to any given moment with a wide variety of antics, moods, attitudes, and of course, whimsical anecdotal behaviors that permanently endear them to our hearts. Those who truly believe in cats and cat ownership as a way of life find that without understanding their behaviors, human are robbed of something primal within themselves.
*from professorshouse.com