CAT INTRODUCTIONS “Can I Pounce On You?”

With careful planning, patience, and a common sense approach, a new cat can be introduced into a home where it will be the only animal or in a home that already has a cat or dog, and live in the household peacefully.  Be aware that while some pets become instant and life-long buddies, others may have long term objections and overall intolerance to one another.  Below are some guidelines to assist in a positive introduction.

Read more: Cat Introductions

Fabulous Fishballs

• 3 baby carrots, cooked until soft
• 16 oz canned tuna in olive oil, drained
• 2 oz cooked herring, skin removed
• 2 Tbsp whole grain bread crumbs or oatmeal
• 2-3 Tbsp grated cheese
• 2 Tsp brewer’s yeast
• 3 pinches of chopped catnip
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste (not ketchup)

 

Preheat oven to 350°.  Mash all ingredients together.  Mold into small balls and put on greased baking tray.  Bake 15-20 minutes, checking frequently (they should be golden brown and feel firm).  Cool thoroughly!

Toxoplasmosis is an infection that can cause a miscarriage or brain damage in the fetus. Pregnant women should not worry about contracting toxoplasmosis by handling their indoor cats.

According to microbiologist J.P.Dubey, an expert in toxoplasmosis, "The possibility of transmission to human beings touching or caring for indoor cats is minimal to nonexistent. Pregnant women need not dispose of a beloved indoor cat, because an indoor cat on a commercial diet does not become infected with toxoplasmosis."

A minor danger lies in the possibility that the cat became infected before becoming an indoor cat. Even so, it is improbable that the cat feces will carry toxoplasmosis cysts more than 35 days after the initial infection. A healthy indoor cat will not become infected with toxoplasmosis unless the cat has access to infected feces, infected meat, infected prey, or infected raw milk. The indoor cat who eats a commercial cat food and uses only his own litter box, should not become infected. Toxoplasmosis is another good argument for keeping all pet cats indoors.

Read more: Toxoplasmosis and the Pregnant Woman

Management in this case requires not exceeding the cat's threshold for being petted. If the threshold is very low, then don't pet the cat at all temporarily.

Some cats will tolerate being petted only on the head, so the petting could be restricted to that part of the body. Management can also involve educating owners about the warning signs the cat displays that indicate he is approaching his limit for petting. When any of these signs are observed, the owner should stop petting the cat at once.

The signs include:

• Twitching of the tail just at the tip or swishing of the entire tail very deliberately
• Eyes dilating
• Restlessness
• Intention movements, or quick turns of the head toward the owner's hand
• Rapid changes in ear carriage, from the neutral, forward position to either flattening to the side or rotating the backs of the ears forward

Many times, the cat becomes more affectionate in other ways if the owner does not pet him too much. The cat may feel more comfortable just sitting next to the person.

They serve as hooks, crampons, switchblades and chisels. A cat's claws are the Swiss Army knife of the feline toolbox. They are essential in practically every role that a cat plays.

What's the Use?

For the Predator, claws hold the prey while the mighty hunter positions himself to deliver the killing bite at the back of the neck. In play behavior, the claws grip a toy while the cat rubs against it or rakes it with his hind feet.

For the agile Climber, claws help your furry Sir Hillary maneuver up and along trees, bookcases and upholstered furniture. As he sinks in his claws, they help him shift his body weight to attain proper balance and secure footing.

Read more: Controlling the Damage - Claws!