Tips & Tricks - Getting Started!

We all know how excited we get when we're bring home a new family member but sometimes we forget what we equipment we may need for our little furry friend. So here is a list of equipment you will need when bringing home your new kitten!

Kitty Litter

We're lucky that cats are inclines to go to the toilet in the same area so it won't take long to toilet train them. There are many types of kitty litter trays available some that are just a simple plastic tray ($20) to an enclosed tray to trap the smell ($50-$80) to even the self cleaning kitty litter trays ($150-$200). This is a necessity for your new friend.

Bedding

No one likes to sleep on the hard floor including cats. As long as its soft and warm you cat will be happy, as you kitten grows older you will be able to notice their preference in bedding and be able to provide bedding to what they like. But cats like to sleep anywhere so don't be offended if they don't sleep in their bed.

Scratching Post

Cats love to scratch! They love to scratch! and they will scratch anything they get their claws on. Buying a scratching post early on allows kittens to get used to them and will allow the chance them destroying your furniture to minimise. Their are 3 tips when buying a scratching post

1. It should be sturdy and stable
2. It should be tall
3. It should probably be vertical.

Your local pet store should have a lot of good quality posts available/

Food & Bowls

You’ll need food and water bowls for your cat, of course. Stainless steel bowls are the favourites among vets because they are easy to clean and sterilize. Make sure that the bowl is shallow especially if it is a small cat so they can easily reach their food.

Toys!

Kittens are playful critters, and playtime is an important component in their development. Cat toys are great playtime tools, and just about any purpose-built toy that your cat enjoys will be fine. This will allow them to also have something to do when you're not home!

Grooming

You’ll want to keep your cat looking cute with the proper grooming equipment. At a minimum, you’ll want to have a metal-toothed comb (careful not to get one with sharp teeth), a bristle brush, and a flea comb.

Carrier

Be sure to also buy a cat carrier. It’s the only safe way to transport your cat, even if you don’t plan any trips longer than to the nearest vet. A loose cat in a car is NOT a good thing! Again, you’ll be faced with a bewildering array of choices. Just make sure that the carrier you choose is well ventilated and sturdy.

That's pretty much everything required to make you new family member feel right at home!

Sources

• Photo - http://cdn.pet360.com/pet360/Content/Images/CMS/Articles/Happy_Cat_Smiling.jpg
• Author - Natasha Orchard

Cat Allergy

Allergy to cat, but love those PAWS?

Before getting those paws to keep you company, you may want to find out if you have any allergy. Then maybe find and get the breed that will suit you the best!

Here are few tips before going to find your new friend.

Cat allergies are genetic. Any member of family has the allergy, there is good chance you may also have the allergy.

Symptoms are similar to any allergies, such as, dust mites, pollen, and food allergy. Itching, sneezing, watery eyes.

Best to confirm with doctor or allergist.

             Sources:

• Information Wikipedia.org, healthline.com, webmd.com, allergy.org.au, acaai.org
• Image http://dellastar.tistory.com/
• Author – Keun Woo Baek 

Cat Breed of the Week - Ragdoll

Our cat breed of the week is Ragdoll!

 



We have chosen this breed because look how fluffy it is and the name!

 

Lets learn a little more about Ragdoll cats. They are large laid-back, semi longhaired cates with captivating blue eyes. They tend to be lighter in colour on their body compared to their face, legs, tail & ears. They are actually more interested in humans than other breeds of cats and love to follow you from room to room as well as meet you by the front door when you get home. They tend to be floor cats and do not like to jump, they are also quite playful without extending their claws. They simply are the most perfect family cats especially with small children and strangers.

 

Fun Fact they were developed in the 1960's by Ann Baker; a breeder in Riverside California. The breed came about from free-roaming cats that were found running loose in Ann's neighbourhood. By carefully selecting one individual cat with the look, temperament and criteria she desired she was able to create the Ragdoll breed.   

 

Sources:

• Information - http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsKthruR/ragdoll.aspx
• Image - http://yourcat.co.uk/images/catimages/Breed_Ragdoll/rag3.jpg
• Author - Natasha Orchard - 44903448



Cat Breed Of The Week- Maine Coon

We are going to being doing a cat breed of the week! 

To begin with our first cat breed of the week is a Maine coon!

The Maine Coon breed originated in Maine in USA, they were developed into sturdy, working cats suited to the harsh winters and varied seasons of the Northeast region. Today they are known for their large sturdy, rugged appearance, which includes an uneven, shaggy coat of 3 distinct lengths and a long, well furnished tail. They use their large tails to surround themselves for warmth and protection. They have large, tufted paws which allow the ability to walk on the snow despite their size and weight. They also have large ears that are well tufted for protection and warmth. Besides their appearance they are also known for their intelligence and kindly disposition, even though their size is intimidating they are well known for their friendliness towards adults and children as well as other animals. A common nickname for the large domestic felines is the "Gentle Giant". 

Sources:

• Information - http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsKthruR/MaineCoon.aspx
• Image - http://www.boredpanda.com/maine-coon-cats/
• Author - Natasha Orchard