Cats are more or less self cleaning critters, but let's face it... sometimes, they DO need a
little bit of help. This is especially true for certain breeds. Sphinxes, for instance, need
regular baths, while the polar opposite Persian needs frequent brushing and an occasional
trim. If you're into at home cat grooming, there are plenty of supplies that can help keep your
buddy tidy and your home mess-free... well... relatively.
SELF GROOMING
Some cats love a good brushing, others would prefer to be left alone. It really just depends
on your kitty. But if your furry little friend would rather do the work himself, or if you simply
don't have a moment to help out with the regular cleaning chores, self-grooming products are
there to help! Available items range from
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stand-up brushing trees to soft-bristled grooming mats. -RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Purrfect Arch Self Grooming and Massaging Cat Toy Arch brushes are an excellent tool for self grooming cats. This particular brush is made up of sturdy but bendable bristles, and a decently hefty, carpet-covered base. Additionally, it comes with a pack of catnip, so as to attract your itchy kitty friend. As with any other self grooming gizmo, though, it's important to watch while it's in use - although the bristles are relatively soft, aggressive rubbers might wind up with a poke to the eye. 2. Catit Senses 2.0 Wellness Center The Catit Senses Wellness Center is pretty unique, as far as cat grooming supplies go. It consists of a reasonably-sized, ergonomic base with massaging ridges - perfect for cats to rub or roll on. It also boasts a comfy padded cushion, and a massager that is perfectly shaped for working out stress from your kitty's neck, face, and head. The actual grooming portions of this device include sturdy, flexible brushes, as well as a catnip-infused gum stimulator. MANUAL COMBS So maybe your cat isn't much for brushing himself, but he still needs an occasional polishing. Well, that's what manual combs are all about! Although many people use a hair brush or comb meant for humans, cat fur is quite different in a lot of ways, and often requires teeth with different sizes or shapes to help prevent matting or remove existing tangles. Cat combs are typically made up of solid, metal materials and look similar to your regular, every day styling product. Others come with sharper portions, allowing you to "cut" through large knots. -RECOMMENDATIONS 3. 2 Pack Pet Combs by Hertzko – Small & Large Comb Included for Both Small & Large Areas -Removes Tangles, Knots, Loose Fur and Dirt. Ideal for Everyday Use for Dogs and Cats with Short or Long Hair As I mentioned earlier, some cat combs look pretty similar to those you'd find in your local beauty supply store. These definitely do! What makes this set of combs different from its human equivalent is the rounded ends. Combs meant for humans, unfortunately, tend to be a bit on the sharp side. Although these tools are made up of stainless steel, the teeth are, in fact, rounded. The result of this is that they will be a good deal gentler on your kitty's skin, will help keep his coat smooth and tangle-free, and will also provide a nice little bonus massage. 4. Dematting Comb with Double Sided Professional Rake By Hertzko - Suitable for Dogs and Cats - Removes Loose Undercoat, Tangles, Mats and Knots - Great Grooming Tool for Brushing and Deshedding So your cat is already knotted up or, because of his fabulously long locks, you know that knotting is imminent. Not to worry! This double-sided comb has sharp, stainless steel, safety -edged blades that allow you to gently work through both large and small mats. Once the mats are gone, you can simply flip the comb over to brush out any loose undercoat. Although this can be used to cut out knots, because of its safe construction, it's suitable for regular maintenance. NAIL CARE Many people think that because their cats scratch away at posts and trees that nail care is unnecessary. Actually, for some cats, it is - I mean... the whole "self cleaning" business does frequently include nail biting. However, scratching only serves to "sharpen" claws - or, rather, remove broken or frayed nails to expose new growth - and some kitties simply cannot be bothered to give themselves that all-important pedicure. That said, in order to keep claws orderly, a little bit of intervention may be necessary. Most of the available nail groomers consist of small, specially-shaped scissors; however, there are also nail grinders on the market, which can make the whole process a bit easier for some felines. -RECOMMENDATIONS 5. Cat Nail Clippers Trimmer By Boshel – Safe, Sharp Angled Blade - Non-Slip Handle - Cat Dog Nail Clippers Scissors - For Small Dogs, Cats, Birds, Rabbits - Professional, Easy At Home Grooming This pair of nail trimmers is fairly basic, but professional-grade - in fact, it comes highly recommended by many groomers, vets, and trainers. The handles of this trimmer are an ergonomically designed rubber and are slip-proof, which is essential when you're trying to juggle your clippers AND your kitty's sensitive little feet. The actual blades are made of stainless steel and boast an angled, semi-circular blade. This type of blade makes it easier to see what you're actually cutting, thus reducing the chance you'll nick any [sensitive areas:article-about-the-quick]. 6. Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder by For Gentle and Painless Paws Grooming, Trimming, Shaping, and Smoothing for Dogs, Cats, Rabbits and Birds – Portable & Rechargeable, Includes USB Wire Although nail clippers are a fairly simple, easy solution, for some cats they just aren't all that appropriate. An alternative to the regular clipper is a grinder. Now I realize, the name makes it sound profoundly unsettling, but think of them less as actual grinders, and more as machine-driven nail files. This particular grinder is a very good option for cats, as it is quieter and produces less vibration than some other options, which may be a little less daunting for your easily-frightened feline. Furthermore, it has three openings, all of which address something different: One for trimming, another for shaping, and the third for smoothing jagged claws. Finally, and this is really more of a benefit for you, this grinder is rechargeable via USB - so no need to worry about batteries! FUR TRIMMING On a day to day basis, you may not even think about trimming your cat. I mean... he sheds constantly... he doesn't need your help to lose even more hair. But alas! Some kitties do occasionally need a little bit of extra cleaning up, be it for sanitary reasons, stubborn knots, or simply because he happens to be of the long-haired variety. But giving your kitty a haircut can be a tricky venture, and without the right tools, it can be downright disastrous. To bring out your best inner cat stylist, you can choose from a handful of options, including regular salon-style scissors, all the way to quiet electric shavers. It all really depends on what needs to be accomplished, and how finicky your little friend is. -RECOMMENDATIONS 7. Scaredy Cut Silent Home Pet Grooming Kit For Cats & Dogs - Quiet Alternative to Electric Clippers For Sensitive Pets At first glance, these may look like a simple set of scissors, but appearances are fairly deceptive. Although it IS true that the scissors themselves are regular stainless-steel grooming shears, they come with seven different attachable grooming combs that range in length from 1/2" to 1", which means that no matter what your reason for clipping, or what style of cat you're working with, you're certain to get the best cut. This nice little set includes gel finger inserts and a comb organizer, and it also comes in either left or right handed versions.
8. Low Noise Level Cordless Rechargeable Electric Pet Grooming and Trimming Clippers Kit,
Safety Blade Design for Dog and Cat Hair Shaver with 4 Guide Combs, Oil, USB Charging
Cord, etc (Concise white)
Occasionally you just need to go bald... right? Well, maybe not, but there are some things
that a simple pair of scissors just won't work for, and that's where electric shavers really
shine. This particular shaver has a low noise level - 55-59dB, in fact - which is great if your
cat is easily freaked out by weird noises. It is also designed with a useful little safety blade,
thus reducing bind-up. Actually, there's a double blade setup, which includes a fixed stainless
steel affair, and a moving ceramic blade. It comes with a built in Li-ion battery that charges
quickly and lasts a good long time, and also has a handy charging display to keep you
abreast of what your battery is up to.
BATHING
Of course, we couldn't discuss cat grooming supplies without talking about bathing. However,
many of the bathing items change so rapidly, and each cat has his own particular needs, so
instead of recommending anything specific, I'll just give you a quick rundown of things to
look for. SHAMPOO As I said before, every cat is different - some will need bath products for sensitive skin, while others will need something for specific skin conditions, and others still may not need anything particularly special. Of course, if your vet has specific recommendations or has given you a prescription shampoo, please stick to that advice. But if you're just generally on the market, some of the things you should look for in a cat shampoo include: -A short, simple list of identifiable ingredients. Just because the label says "natural," it doesn't mean that it won't also contain some rather gross ingredients. If you can't identify something, then you're better off avoiding it. -Free from chemical dyes, parabens or very heavy perfumes. Dyes can irritate your cat's skin, and strong perfumes may just drive him mad - I mean... they are awfully sensitive to scents! -Try to look for skin-soothing ingredients, like aloe vera, oatmeal, vitamin E, and chamomile, especially if your cat is dealing with dandruff or irritated skin. -If a regular bath is simply out of the question, look into [wipes] or [waterless shampoos]. In either of these cases, be sure to keep an eye out on the above-mentioned things, that is to say: nothing harsh, soothing, identifiable ingredients. OTHER GROOMING ITEMS In many cases, conditioner will not be necessary for your cat; however, if he has exceedingly long or fine fur, you may want to consider it. As with shampoo, look for simple, gentle ingredients. You may also want to consider a detangling spray for pre-combing use, as well as dander reducers if allergies are becoming an issue in your home. Finally, if you plan to clip your kitty's claws, I would recommend keeping a styptic pencil or powder on hand. Though I've no doubt you'll be exceedingly careful with your buddy's little hands, nicking the quick can sometimes happen. This can be painful and cause some bleeding. Styptics help by slowing the blood flow and reducing discomfort. CONCLUSION Maybe you're a tidy individual or maybe you're an aspiring professional groomer, either way, cat grooming supplies are an absolute must if you keep these furry creatures in your home. What you have on hand will really depend on what type of feline you have, or what sort of nonsense he tends to get into.
Declawing solves the issue of torn up furniture and unnecessary scratches. Having a cat declawed puts an end to ruined furniture, torn up carpet, and having the household look a wreck. If that’s a pet owners concern, then they should definitely reconsider even having a cat. A cat's claws can inflict a considerable amount of pain and damage to their owners. Cat scratch disease may also be a result of having a cat declawed. This disease is caused by a bacteria known as Bartonella henselae. Statistics show that About 40% of cats have this bacteria at some point in their cat lives. This bacterial infection shows no signs in a cat. Kittens are also more likely to scratch and bite while they play with their owners. Although, your cat might use your hands or furniture for clawing and scratch, declawing is certainly not the
“Any activity that involves going through the hair and over the skin with the hands, lip, tongue, teeth, or tail to clean out extraneous objects such as dirt, particles of sweat-salt, external parasites, or other surface materials is considered grooming”(Simonds 169). Grooming is very important for hygiene. Although many are able to groom themselves they are dependent upon each other because there will always be spots that cannot be seen. As I stated earlier I saw Parental Investment. This is a great example because the mother was grooming her child, but the child does not groom back.
These somewhat strange cat behaviors both amusing and baffling leave many of us asking, why do cats do that? Throughout time cats were primarily solitary predators of smaller animals and prey for larger carnivores, as both predator and prey survival of their species depended on their basic instinctual behaviors which we all still observe in wild and domestic cats today, While the feline actions of your domestic house cat (Garfield) might seem
This will relieve any stress that your cat may have encountered, as well as bring you both closer together. Shiny things, such as a diamond necklace, are very fascinating to death cats. Also, putting your phone on vibrate and letting your cat play with the vibration is a never ending joy for them. Playing with your cat will have him feel loved, and cared for.
"Declawing Cats: Far Worse Than a Manicure." The Humane Society of the United States. The Humane Society, 12 Apr 2013. Web. 9 Dec 2013.
A soft purr, a gentle paw. A pet cat is a luxury that humans have indulged in for thousands of years, from their beginnings in Africa and the Middle East, all the way to homes here in 2014. Cats rival dogs as the most common pet in the United States, with 30.4% of houses owning 2.1 cats each (“U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics”).While working cats, such as farm cats, barn cats, and other rural, semi-feral animals may be kept for specific purposes of keeping pest animals at bay, the vast majority of kept cats in the US are pet cats, kept in homes for companionship and affection. Cat owners want the best for their pets, and as such is important to keep pet cat indoors, for their own safety as well as the safety of the local wildlife.
III. Credibility Statement: I have been a cat owner for nineteen years. I have hand raised and trained my two cats since they were kittens.
Edgar Allen Poe’s short story The Black Cat immerses the reader into the mind of a murdering alcoholic. Poe himself suffered from alcoholism and often showed erratic behavior with violent outburst. Poe is famous for his American Gothic horror tales such as the Tell-Tale Heart and the Fall of the House of Usher. “The Black Cat is Poe’s second psychological study of domestic violence and guilt. He added a new element to aid in evoking the dark side of the narrator, and that is the supernatural world.” (Womack). Poe uses many of the American Gothic characteristics such as emotional intensity, superstition, extremes in violence, the focus on a certain object and foreshadowing lead the reader through a series of events that are horrifying and grotesque. “The Black Cat is one of the most powerful of Poe’s stories, and the horror stops short of the wavering line of disgust” (Quinn).
Good oral maintenance includes brushing your cat 's teeth a few times a week. This can be done by getting a finger toothbrush, a special cat toothbrush, or by using a small soft cloth over your finger while gently rubbing the cat 's teeth and gums. Along with the brush, cat toothpaste is also made to help scrub away the plaque and tartar and cats like the flavor. Cats
The cat is a household pet his life is good. He never has to do any
SpayUSA says that the benefits of spaying include no heat cycles, less desire to roam, risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian and/or uterine cancer is reduced or eliminated, especially if done before the first heat cycle, reduces the number of unwanted cats, and helps cats live longer, healthier lives. Not only are many health issues reduced, but the overpopulation decreases dramatically. Those 66,088 cats are reduced even if only by a little bit. SpayUSA also says that the benefits of neutering reduces or eliminates risk of spraying, less desire to roam, therefore less likely to be injured in fights or auto accidents, risk of testicular cancer is eliminated, and decreases incidence of prostate disease, reduces the number or unwanted cats, decreases aggressive behavior, and helps cats live longer, healthier lives. This means less homeless cats walk around injured or lay dead on the side of the road. In short, if people fixed their cats, many problems could be greatly reduced.
You can use one of the current top rated electric shavers in 2014 from Braun: 790cc. The shaver features an innovative Pulsonic technology that delivers around 10.000 micro vibrations which capture with precision more hair. You should know that the shaver has 3 personalization features which help you to obtain a hair-free appearance. The device has a fully flexible shaving system that delivers precise facial adaptability once you start shaving. You should also know that the shaver incorporates Activelift that safely captures flat-lying hair thus maintaining a smooth shaving experience.
As humans, having cats as pets they are expected to adapt to human lifestyle and living conditions, forgetting the fact that houses are not their natural environment. Cats, as do all animals, behave the way they do since it is in their nature, despite the opinion of some behaviors being inappropriate. A cat has no concept of what is deemed right or wrong. A cat has to be able to understand what is desired for them to do or not to do in order to live a contented life in human surroundings. Part of the way a cat learns to understand a human is by humans understanding them and why they do what they do. Communication and understanding is the key to living in harmony with a house cat.
Many humans own a cat. Cats are considered peaceful and content animals. Even though many people own a cat, millions enter animal shelters each year. How a cat is handled within a shelter depends on the cats’ heath, handling, and housing. Disposition depends on how socialized the cats are, although many shelters are required to determine how socialized and comfortable the cats are with humans before adoption. Shelters are very stressful for cats, and can result in cats behaving in uncharacteristic ways. Cats that are highly socialized and adoptable often display aggressive or fearful behaviour when under stress. High stress levels peak when the cats are confined to a small cage in a shelter or household. Cats in households are usually free-roaming cats; they experience hazardous encounters outdoors, which cause stress levels to peak. It is also hypothesised that cats within a multi-cat household are more stressed, because they have nowhere to hide or run when spatial dispersion is unavailable. When a cat is overly stressed out, the cat can exhibit behaviours which include, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and fever. Cats can also recognise the voices of their owners, which relates back to the 10,000-year history humans have with cats.
Both dogs and cats are good for companionship, because they are both very sweet, loveable. However dogs have a much more need for attention, dogs constantly want to be played with, and sometime aggravate their owner until they get what they want. On the other hand, cats pretty much like to stay to themselves. Some cats may stay away during the day time and only come out at night. Dogs sleep pretty much at night while some cats are up all night.