RAGDOLL CAT BREEDERS | RAGDOLL CAT BREED | RAGDOLL CAT

Special treatment for having a beauty

2010-06-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

Western counties are commonly as the barometer of the fashion in certain country. Every country has the way to dressed; the European country is very different with Asian country in the way to dressed. They have they own characteristic that show or indicate a certain people from a certain places. Nowadays, most of people try to express their self through fashion, and it is usually called as lifestyle. It is becoming very popular to wear a good cloth to show their social statues, if there are a people using a good cloth and branded stuff, she or he will get more appreciation from many people. It is why it becomes very popular now. Beauty are wised by so many women that always want to appear perfectly. They also try to get a beauty performance in all the occasion because it is one of the characterizations of women. Nowadays there are so many institution that equip merit to make women get a better performance or in special term for having beauty.

When a women have felt that they were in youngness anymore, they will do certain thing to get back what they feel when they were young. There some several ways to get that through some special treatment in having a new marked beauty. Mini tummy tucks one of that ways to reach a slim body in one part of the body, especially in belly. California breast augmentation is also popular ways in having beauty that is available in America. It takes a cheap cost but it gives a good result, it also does not have any dangerous risk when doing it. California also has another well known beauty treatment that is so perfectly treated. It is California liposuction, where the women can get a beautiful shape of the body through special liposuction treatment.

Finding cheap glasses? Here you will get

2010-04-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

I am sure sometimes there is time when you have to replace your old eyeglass. It can be for many reasons too. Perhaps you want something new trend of glass or even you want to replace a break glasses. Whatever your reasons, you will find that those new glasses are so expensive and will dig your money on your pocket at once. Those eyeglass stores seem just selling the expensive glasses, right? You can find in Lens Chafters or Cohen Fashion Optical abd Kings Plaza. You can expect the price which starts from $100 for a pair of glasses. Then what is the solution to save your money?

Actually there is place, according to the Eric’s review of Zenni Optical that sell cheaper glasses. Here you will find the #1 online Rx glasses store which offers glasses that you will never find in the other else. Then, what about the prices they offer? You can imagine how cheap it is. You see, it start at just at &8 per pair.

Why do they sell those Lowest Price Progressive Glasses? How do they able to give those prices? You may wonder about them, right? The reason is because they are manufactured overseas at a lab in China.

The Rag doll Cat Breeders’ Roles and Advantages

2010-01-12T20:57:00.000-08:00

There are many kinds of animals in this world that you can choose to be your lovely pets. But not all the animals can be pets. Several rare animals are protected by the government because their amount is getting decrease. And there are also the animals that can be the best pets but it is too difficult for getting it. It is the rag doll cat. The rag doll cat breeders try to keep these kinds of cats well because this cat has special things, the blue eyed cat with thick and silky feather.
The rag doll cat breeders always have the difficulties in keeping of this cat because this cat needs a very good treatment in order it is fresh all the day. The rag doll cat breeders usually sell one of them in expensive price. And everybody who is so eager to have this cat always looks for it although it is so expensive. If you want to be the rag doll cat breeders too, you need a big patient because at the first time it lives in your home, it needs to adapt it self with a new environment. So, it will be the friendly and smart pets which can be a real friend to you.

There are some advantages of keeping this animal as your pets. If you are going to be the rag doll breeders you must sought by all the animals’ lovers. And if you want to do the cross bred with the other kinds of cats, not all kinds of cats which can be fused by this cat. You will be paid. The rag doll cat breeders have a good treatment of keeping this animal, so if you have some problems with it, you can ask for help from other rag doll cat breeders.

Cats Bonding With Their Owners

2009-09-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of experts out there who say that cats are strictly independent animals. These very same experts state that cats have chosen to associate with humans due to their strategy of survival. Although many argue with this statement, there are many who agree as well – although those that agree are normally those in the percentile who don’t agree with cats.

Anyone who has owned a cat will tell you that cats are great at bonding with people, although they are very particular. Normally, a cat will choose someone in the home that he bonds with. You’ll know when a cat wants to bond with you, as he will hop on your lap seeking attention or snuggle up to you at night when you are sleeping. Purring is a strong sign of affections, especially with cats that are looking to bond.

Although many experts have tried to figure it out, no one really knows why cats choose a particular person whom they will bond with. It could be the individual’s manners, voice, or simply how that person treats the cat. Perhaps it may be the individual is really gentle, or maybe a little more forceful – bringing the best out in the cat.

There are a lot of ways that researchers have tried to take this subject, one of which being psychic. Some say that cats bond with someone due to a “psychic aura” that is compatible with both the person and the cat. If a cat feels that someone is giving them a bad vibe, they will simply ignore that person. Although this can be true to a sense for some, a majority of those who own cats will tell you that this couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Even though there are a lot of theories and speculation out there, no one really knows why cats bond with humans. There’s little to no proof available as well, other than cats and their natural instinct for physical survival. Those who own cats know that cats crave attention, simply to make them feel needed. They love to be pampered by their owners, and will shower you with attention and affection if you just give them the chance.

Those who are new to owning cats may find bonding to be very different. Cats are different from other animals, including dogs, in the sense that they bond different. Different breeds of cats will bond different with their owners, although most prefer affection and attention. The more time you spend around your cat, the more he will bond with you. Over the years, you’ll find that the bond you create with your pet has grown very strong – and simply cannot be broken.

Cats And Ring Worm

2009-09-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

Ringworm is a very common form of skin disease that is found in both dogs and cats. Although its name makes you think otherwise, this skin disease isn’t caused by any type of worm. It’s actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissues found in the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal.

With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases. Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like bedding, clippers, or another animal that already has the disease. If there are animals in your home or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract it this way.

If you have kittens or cats that are under a year old in your home, you should always use precaution, as they are more susceptible to ringworm. Kittens can easily contract the disease, especially if you allow them to go outside. They can easily come in contact with a contaminated object or another cat that has the disease. Kittens take a long time to build their immune system up, and in the meantime they are more apt to get common disease such as ringworm.

The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around the head or the paws. Ringworm can easily be identified by a patch of scaly skin on the body that appears itchy and inflamed. There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin. This area is very sensitive, and you should never try to touch it, as it will hurt your cat.

If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet. If the vet diagnosis your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe ointment or tablets. What he describes however, will determine on how serious the ringworm is. If he prescribes tablets to your cat, you should give them with meals. Ointment on the other hand, is normally spread into the coat, topically. You should always use what your vet prescribes on a daily basis, to ensure that your cat heals. The healing process will take time, normally around six weeks or more.

Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as infectious. If you have children in the house, you should keep them away from your pet. Whenever you handle your cat, you should always use gloves. Ringworms are contagious, and you should always use caution. Even though it’s a mild disease, ringworm can result in serious problems due to the slow recovery time and fact that it’s contagious.

Cats – The Purrfect Companion?

2009-07-19T00:45:00.000-07:00

"You will always be lucky if you know how to make friends with strange cats." - Colonial proverb

Fancy having a cat at home? It will depend on you throughout its life – around 15 years with proper care – so properly budget for visits to the vets and other costs before making a decision to get a cat.

You have to budget for cat food, cat litter and scoops and other accessories to make the cat’s life comfortable at your home.

Kitten or adult? A difficult choice since the kitten of today is going to be a member of your household for a long time. Perhaps it is better to get an adult cat since it has already developed a personality and you will know what you are getting. Adult cats easily adapt to a new home and get attached to the new owner as easily as a kitten. It does not matter whether you get a male or female because their behaviour is not dependent on their gender. Neutered and spayed cats make pleasant companions.

Any good animal shelter will have healthy cats available. Remember a cat you picked up from the shelter is actually saved from death by you. To convey a proper image, choose a name for the cat from Abby, Achilles to Zummo. There are lots and lots of fancy names to choose from.

OK, you got your cat – so now what? Open up your purse so that your cat can feel pampered. You can get elegant and lavishly designed dining bowls with a price range of £8 to £80. To promote their health and well being encourage your cat to drink more water. Drinking fountains for cats which re-circulate water and provide fresh tasting filtered water are a great idea. Like humans, pets require water as a vital element for survival. Water constitutes approximately 70% of a cat's or dog's body.

Apart from feeding the cat we have to provide mental and physical stimulation and keep them active and happy. A ball dispensing cat nip or any other small treat once in 2 to 4 hours (preset – depending upon the need of your cat) is one of the accessories which are fun to watch when the cat plays and eat.

Colorful place mats for the cat with some hilarious or funny drawing make a great gift and liven up the cat pen.

To make your cat enjoy the outdoors along with you buy a pet stroller which costs from £40 to £ 150 or a cat harness. Vaccinations, also known as kitten shots will help protect the cat from various diseases. Remember to keep your cat healthy by changing the litter box frequently.

Cats Are Very Lovable Creatures

2009-07-19T00:42:00.000-07:00

“Who would believe such pleasure from a wee ball o' fur?”- An Irish saying about cats, perhaps best describes what pleasure-giving creatures cats can be.

Jean Burden, beautifully defines the feline beauty. “A dog, I have always said, is prose; a cat is a poem.” Cats for many people, are really very lovable - remember ‘Snowbell’ - the cat of “Stuart Little”.

Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to many ailments. Cat grooming is a very important part of keeping a cat as a healthy pet. Cat supplies can be defined as important things that can be purchased for cat grooming, and maintaining general good cat health.

Cat supplies is a general term that covers a variety of important cat care products. These topics could be used when undertaking an online Internet search for good value cat supply products for your pets - cat-grooming supplies, cat pet supplies, cat training supplies and discount cat supplies.

Cat Grooming:

Cat grooming is in fact a long program of cat health care that covers the entire life span a cat. It includes feline care, feline health care, feline diabetes care etc. It also includes practices like kitten care, giving a hygiene bath, general cleaning, combing, brushing, checking ears, paws, teeth and underside, nail trimming, removing cat fleas and insects and fixing regular meetings with a professional veterinary. Cat owners should follow a regular schedule of grooming sessions.

Like children, infant cats, known as kittens, require some extra special attention. A kitten is delicate and should be handled with care. It also needs to be groomed properly, fed carefully, and bedded properly.

Cat Grooming Supplies:

Cat grooming supplies play a key role in the process of maintaining a happy and healthy cat. Supplies for your pet may include a special cat home or house, cat doors, cat furniture, cat carrier, cat beds, heated cat beds, cat toys, cat collars, designer cat collars, jeweled or jingling cat collars, cat odor removers, cat clothes, special cat jewelry, cat food, cat tonics & supplements and cat medication.

Cat Beds:

A cat bed is a bed specially designed for the sleeping comfort of a cat. It should be the most pleasurable place for a cat where it retires to take sweet dreams. Good cat beds are actually quite important for maintaining good cat health. An improper sleep may very much affect the general health of your cat - thus the masters of cats should be very careful when buying cat beds. A cat bed and cat bedding should include a cat bed mattress, cat bed sheet, cat pillows, cat throw pillows, cat blankets and cat quilt or duvets.

Cat beds are available in numerous styles and include designer cat beds, heated cat beds, luxury cat beds, wicker cat beds, leather cat beds, etc.

There are number of designer cat pet beds available on the market for purchase, both in physical pet stores, and also online. Many pet bed manufacturers now sell their cat beds online, through their official company websites.

Cat Training With A Clicker

2009-07-19T00:32:00.000-07:00

Clicker training is a reinforcement or reward for a cat when training them. Clickers are use most often for support when training a cat for a reward. Cats associate the clicker with a good behavior they will use for a long time. Clicker training is associated with classical condition (they associate the sound with food.) and operant conditioning (cat performs movement to receive food).

Why use a clicker and not tell a cat or make a sound to get your cat to do a trick? A clicker has a sound a cat can hear and associate good behavior. With words, our tones in our voice can change from time to time, which a cat can become confused with the training. With talking for the commands, a cat could mistake the commands. With using a clicker, it is more of a training tool to get the behavior started with the cat. Then you can put the clicker away for that behavior or trick once a cat has learned the behavior

When taking the cat out for a walk or on a trip, the clicker is a good item to carry along with you. Cats can get distracted with other people, or animals in the area. With using the clicker, it will reinforce the behavior that you have taught them. In addition, a clicker can help you with having your cat walk with you instead of wondering around.

With the clicker, a cat can be trained using three easy steps: Get a behavior, mark a behavior, and reinforce the behavior. Get a behavior is the first step. A good example would be for the cat to jump a hoop. The cat will have to know that when you click that they get a treat. Start with very small treats in your pocket. Clicks, Treat, Click Treat do this for a few times until you see the cat coming for the treat on the click. Next marking the behavior: You will have to show the cat the hoop. Once the cat touches the hoop, click, treat. Then show the cat to go though the hoop once it does click, treat. Continue to do this until the cat goes though the hoop on its own or your command. Reinforce the behavior Remember to have snacks handy so when you do see your cat go though the hoop a snack is available.

Training a cat with a clicker can be fun for both you and the cat. Taking steps in training will be rewarding to you and the cat. Try not to rush a cat in training, as they can become confused especially if they did not get the step before down. The training will take time and steps to achieve this behavior. Patience, love, and rewards will be the key factor in training your cat.

The clicker is a good exercises tool for a cat. 10 to 15 mins a day you should get your cat to exercises. For exercising, you can have the cat use a hoop, play with a toy, and climb on the scratching post or something that focus on the cat getting exercise. Exercises will help the cat to stay healthy and help to keep it out of mischief.

Clickers can come with books to help you train, treats, and a clicker. Clickers come in many different size shapes, and color. You will want to research the clickers out. Check out a pet store, Internet sites give lots of information on training and using a clicker. Check out companies that make the clicker by using Internet to see what kind they offer and any additional information that you might need to get the process of training done. Check out articles about the clicker. Talk to someone that has used one. Talk to your area veterinary about training with a Clicker

Once you have used a clicker, the cat will get good exercise and be a healthy cat. The cat will be happier and you will be happier with the new behaviors that you have taught your cat.

To sum up training your cat, important things to remember is have patience, love and the clicker.

Cat Training for Your Intractable Cat

2009-07-18T04:43:00.000-07:00

Cats are almost always depicted as loners, the lords of their realm, snobbish and downright stubborn. This is a type of animal that is quite proud, going their own way and rarely following orders. Think Garfield.

While this could be quite unfair to the cat, they are almost always compared to the loyalty and obedience of a dog, qualities which make them a popular pet all over the world.

That is why it is recommended to all cat owners or those who do plan to get a cat to train them immediately. This establishes the role of each person in the household. Cat training allows for the cat owner to train his or her cat and eventually leading up to a long lasting loving relationship between owner and pet.

Just like having a child, a pet cat that knows how to follow orders and is a source of pride and joy will be given great attention and love as well as more rewards.

But, before you start training your cat, you must know first its natural instincts and behaviours. As cat owners, we must respect what is but natural to every cat so we don't encroach into those natural instincts.

It is not uncommon for some cats to feel depression and stress, so do not mistake this for stubbornness or hard-headedness. This may cause a rift between you and your cat. The more you scream at it and the more you hurt it, the more the wedge and rift grows, making it harder to do cat training.

Have your cat checked out by a vet first before any cat training. There are many factors to consider first. If the vet gives the thumbs-up sign then your good to go. Cat training will provide for a happier and healthier cat-owner relationship.

Cat Mailboxes Can Mean So Much

2009-07-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

We love our cats. Throughout the centuries, Cats have been revered, even worshipped. They can be our cuddly friends or fearsome hunters. Through it all, they are our beloved pets. For some, coming through the door at the end of a long day, being greeted by a furry feline it the best part of the day. Our cats love us unconditionally; we can do no wrong with them. Now, there is something that can lift your spirits as soon as you turn into the driveway. A new and unique way to pay tribute to the one who enriches our lives in so many different ways and this is with cat mailboxes.

Cat mailboxes, what’s not to love? A cat mailbox is a cute, fun, decorative novelty item that can bring you home to life. It is a way to personalize your property. It can show to the world that you are friend to felines. The assortment of different cat mailboxes is as astounding. There are so many different shapes and sizes that it makes the decision to purchase just one difficult. There have been some who have purchased cat mailboxes just for décor. They can be created a playful kittens or in a stalking pose. The design is limited only by cat lovers’ imagination.

Cat mailboxes are approved by the United States Postal service and are made of heavy-duty steel that is rust and weather resistant. They also can be made out of wood, or vinyl, and are all durable to withstand the often-frigid temperatures of winter or scorching heat of summer. Cat mailboxes come in many different designs. They can be freestanding, or attach to a building. They can have locks attached by request.

By searching the Internet, there are hundreds of links that will assist the cat lover in finding the perfect cat mailbox. There are even sites that will create a specific cat mailbox from a picture that is sent. It can be made to be a life size model of the your favorite pet. What better was to express love for a furry feline friends. A cat mailbox can also have a message inscribed on it to welcome guests to your home. This services is usually offer by request only. These adorable designs are usually hand crafted, and made to look exactly like a treasured family pet.

A cat mailbox can even be made with movable whiskers and tails. They are a delightful novelty item that all cat lovers would love to receive as a gift.

A cat mailbox will make an incredible addition to a home that will keep friends and loved one amazed at the quality and workmanship of the design.

Most sites on the Internet will send a cat mailbox complete with everything you need for installation. This feature is appealing to most people as all they have to do is unwrap and install their cat mailbox for all to see.

Big or small, black or white a cat mailbox will be the talk of every neighborhood.

Cat Litter Box Problems: 7 Essential Keys To Solve The Problem Quickly!

2009-07-16T02:32:00.000-07:00

Has this ever happened to you? Your cat's peeing outside the litter box, and you're desperately trying to clean up after your cat, wondering if you're actually doing anything to stop it from happening in the first place!

Well, if you're like me, you probably want some quick solutions to the problem, or at least a list of checkpoints that you know you must, like a detective on a trail, work through, to get the litter box behavior problem under control.

By the time you finish this article, you will have learnt the 7 most important steps you must know, when it comes to this problem of the cat peeing outside the litter box.

Firstly, let's have a look at the reasons why this happens. The reasons for peeing outside the litter box are:

1. A medical problem.

2. The cat that has never been properly house trained to use the litter box in the first place.

3. Problems with the litter tray itself.

4. An unpleasant event that occurred while the cat was at the litter box.

5. A temporary physical or emotional stress, or change in the household causing the cat to urinate in an area outside the box, which is perpetuated by the urine smell reminding the cat to return to the same area over and over again.

6. Old age causing a cat to not be easily able to get to the litter box.

Now, keep these causes in mind, when checking out the 7 action steps:

1. If there's a change in toilet behavior with no obvious cause, it may be caused by illnesses such as urinary tract infections, blocked anal glands, worms and parasites, diabetes and tumors. These illnesses may have no other obvious signs, apart from this urination problem. So you must consider a visit to the vet. In other cases you may see symptoms such as lethargy, blood in the urine, diarrhea, or constant licking in the anal area. If you see this, then your first stop is the vet!

2. Look at the litter box itself. Ensure you're cleaning out the waste once or twice a day, and changing the litter every 3-4 days for non-clumping litter (2-3 weeks for clumping litter). Clean the tray with hot water and mild detergent, without any strong odors such as citrus or ammonia, which will repel the cat from the box. If you have multiple cats, remember - the number of trays should equal number of cats, plus one or two. If you've changed brands of litter, this may have caused the problem as many cats dislike this change, especially to scented litter. Return to the older litter. If you want to change, introduce unscented litter gradually by mixing the old with the new over 2 weeks. And ensure that the location of the box is acceptable: no loud noises, has some privacy, and is not in view of other cats.

3. Consider adding in 1 more litter box to another suitable private location of the house. This is because sometimes it's not the litter box that's the problem, but a negative experience there. For example, if your kids played with the cat while she was on the litter box, or if the cat had pain when urinating, such as during a urine infection, after having kittens, or had a procedure done on the bladder or urethra at the vet, then the cat would associate pain with that litter box. Even if the pain is gone, the association and is still there.

4. Thoroughly clean the area that has been peed on. This is important because no matter what the cause, the fact that the urine remains on the bed, carpet, or sofa is a reminder for the cat to return to pee there. The cat's sense of smell is more acute than ours, so ensure you clean with a solution such as Brampton's Simple Solution. If you have remaining urine smell together with a bad association at the box, then you have 2 forces causing the problem to continue. So get rid of both!

5. Next, if possible, deny the cat access to the area that is peed on, especially if it's an area that is repeatedly used. Many people forget to do this, and their problem is prolonged. By stopping access, the cycle of repeated urination is stopped. Will the cat pee somewhere else? Possible, though less likely if you provide a second litter box, show him where it is a few times, and also do the step 7 below.

6. If you can't stop the cat from accessing the area, make the area less attractive for peeing instead. You can do this by either placing a scent, or, by placing a bowl of dried cat food there. If using a scent, try citrus or eucalyptus. If using dried food, which often works better, ensure that you top up the food bowl during the day. Either way, once you have success, continue for another 1-2 weeks to ensure it stays that way.

7. If you're at home when the cat is, then you have this step up your sleeve as well: the startle technique. Only do this method if you actually catch the cat about to urinate because if you do it at any other time, that cat will not be able to associate that urinating in the area with the unpleasant startle. Startle the cat with a loud "No!" or clap of the hands. Wait 5 minutes, then bring the cat to the litter tray, and if she toilets at the tray, reward her with praise and a food treat. As long as the length and enjoyment of the reward if far greater than the startle, this will be unlikely to cause stress. Use this method carefully as some cats may experience stress with it. Make sure that the cat seems relaxed after the food treat, and that it's actually improving the situation.

If you follow the above steps, most problems of peeing outside the litter box will be solved within days or gradually improve over 1-2 weeks.

Remember in all cases, you'll be even more effective if you reduce stress at the same time. This means more play time and attention.

In conclusion, it does take some effort and detective work to see what has caused the litter box behavior problem in the first place. And you now know how to apply 7 essential steps to help you solve this issue, as quickly and effectively as possible.

If you'd like to learn more advanced tips on solving your cat's litter box behavior problem, go to the website described in the resource box below.

Cat Furniture

2009-07-16T02:30:00.000-07:00

I remember dreading the day I found the perfect couch to go in our appartment. Binx was never particular with what he liked scratching on and I realised that if I bought this couch, that it would end up looking like a shreaded pin cushion in a matter of hours not days!

Just moving into a new appartment (or having been there a long time) introducing your kitty to his new surroundings can be quite tough and you want to keep him inside for about a week to three weeks until you are satisfied that he is happy to know where home is and he is settled himself before deciding to let him outside. While he is inside for those one to three weeks, if you are unfortunate enough not to be able to stay home and watch your kitty 24/7, you will likely to come home and find the couch has been attacked or worse, I used to come home and find the base of my bed had been attacked!

Now declawing is definately out of the option, the only other choice left was to look at is Cat Furniture for your kitty. For starters a cat scratcher especially if you have an indoor kitty! Now I was very warey how Binx would take to this new carpeted object sitting in the lounge, and it was quite lucky I had bought him a Cat Nip plant!

Your kitty will probably go nutty over Cat Nip, but not all cats react the same way to it. If your kitty is not taking any notice of his new scratching pole, and is still using your couch, break a couple of leaves off the Cat Nip plant and proceed to rub it all over the carpeted pole. It took a few days of sniffing for Binx to actually get any interest in the pole, but once your kitty gets the idea or if need be, show kitty how it should be used first, and praise him each time he uses it properly!

Make sure the pole is secured down properly because it might topple onto kitty while he's using it, and it will just scare him off using the pole for good! I had ours wedged underneath the TV Cabnet and now the Coffee table and removed the bell attached to the top of the pole as it seemed to scare Binx everytime it jingled behind him! And guess what - He has not touched our new couch, ONCE!

Cat Fights

2009-07-16T02:27:00.000-07:00

Article Body:
Feral or unferal, your kitty may get tangled up in one of these if they are in particular an outdoor cat. Indoor cats if by themselves are obviously not as prone to this risk, unless they find themselves outside, or a stray visitor inside.. but two or more indoor cats can have their "bad" days as well.

If you allow your cat to roam outside in the big wild outdoors, I seriously recommend you take kitty to your veternarian from a young age and start getting him vaccinated! And make sure this is done every year no questions! This is necessary if you don't want your kitty to get infected by nasties like Feline Aids (FIV) which is transmitted through blood while fighting. This also protects your kitty among a lot of other different diseases out there like Feline Leukemia
(FLV). It is also highly advisable to get him (or her) neutered. Unspayed males will fight feirsly for a female if she is in heat, which can leave both cats in tatters and spayed males can find themselves in the middle of something they don't understand if an unspayed males get the wrong idea...

Cats fighting outside at night time can be quite of a shock, as sometimes they can sound close to a child shreking or yelling, and it is definately the last thing you want to hear when your trying to sleep at night! My ultimate way of getting rid of cats engaged in a fight is to turn the hose on them, as noises won't startle them hardly as they are concentrating too much on the other cat!

For indoor cats, obviously water all over the carpet is unwanted so I find usually placing a large object between the two which will cut of eye contact with both cats, if they are engaged in a fight, don't get in their way as cat bites can not only hurt, but are more likely to become infected than dog bites. Use a chair and turn upside down and use the back of the chair and gently slide the chair between the cats, this will startle them and stop them from fighting. Give the cats 'time out' by placing one in a closed room for a short period of time.

A good tell-tale sign if a cat is frightened, the hair will stand up all over the body and when the cat threatens or is ready to attack, you will see the hair stand up in a narrow band along the spine and tail to make him look bigger, and this is also a good time to get out that hose or chair!

With the average lifespan of an outdoor only cat if they are feral or unferal, is only about three years! Which is why if you love your kitty and want him to have a healthy live, keep him indoors and he can live a whopping 16 years longer!

Not only will you benefit from keeping your kitty living longer indoors, it will save you expensive veternarian bills for infected scratches, broken teeth, torn ears, and so on by these nasty one-on-ones.

Cat Claw Survival Solutions To The Rescue!

2009-07-16T02:24:00.000-07:00

Cats can be ill tempered and mean on their worst days, but even the most annoying problems have a remedy somewhere. If your cat is clawing your furniture, your carpet, and your legs with the same ferocity, understanding the how and why behind the behavior can help you redirect your feline friend’s clawing instinct to be expressed in less destructive ways.

So why IS your cat clawing everything in sight?

Here’s the jawdropper: a cat’s claws never stop growing. Let me repeat that: They NEVER stop growing. When I found that out, a big light went off in my head. Just like a pet hamster that constantly needs to knaw on wood to keep their teeth from growing too long, what cats are actually doing when they sharpen their claws is removing the outermost layer of their claws. O.K. Kitty Cat, we finally get it!

So what to do? What to do?

The first thought bubble that forms is to scoop kitty up for a little declawing action at the nearest vet’s office. But before you take such a drastic step, keep in mind that once those claws are gone, they’re GONE. Take away those claws, and you’re taking away your pet’s primary form of defense. Even if you have an indoor cat like I do, chances are, sooner or later, a window of opportunity is going to open up just long enough for your cat to slip outside and be vulnerable to attacks from other animals and people.

O.K. So now you know why your cat is actually using you as a scratching post. Let’s move away from the word “using”. In a way, it’s kind of flattering. That doesn’t make it hurt any less. Let’s get your cat to branch out. It’s time to get a REAL scratching post, so that your pet can get into the habit of using it instead of YOU, whenever those claw sharpening impulses may strike.

So how do we get kitty to break her bad habits and start to use the proper place where she can scratch to her heart’s content?

The answer lies in you.

That is of course, IF you are your cat’s favorite person in the family.

If so, then try hanging an article of clothing that belongs to you on your virgin scratching post. The idea is to make the area smell familiar. A day or two should be enough for your cat to become accustomed to its’new scratching outlet.

Don’t want to part with something from your wardrobe? Time to get a little sneakier then. Catnip can be your secret weapon. Sprinkle catnip over the scratching post and watch what happens. This one may be even worth breaking out the video camera for.

This next option sounds a little weird, but believe me, it WORKS!

Try sprinkling the post area with powdered chicken bouillon. The idea is to get the cat to feel friendly enough toward the scratching post to attack it.

While your cat is making the transition to a designated area for scratching, there are several ways to make your cat’s favorite scratching areas a lot less attractive. This will help ease the transition from the old spots to the new.

Sprinkle fresh lemon juice over them. Cover or wrap the areas in aluminum foil. Remember what it felt like when your fingernails went down the chalkboard? Ever try it again? Cats will experience the same thing and be deterred from using the areas. Finally, clean the areas well to eradicate any cat odor. This will go a long way toward removing the aura of familiarity that creates the habit of using the space. Also, just keep the doors closed to make those places inaccessible to the cat.

Now that you know more about the how and why of your cat’s clawing instinct and behavior, take these simple steps and you’ll soon see a resolution to the cat clawing issues in your household. With a little time and patience, your cat’s claw sharpening activities should be limited to its’favorite spot: the scratching post!

Cat Carriers For Safety

2009-07-16T02:22:00.000-07:00

While some people may consider it cruel to cage up your ragdoll cat it's actually a matter of safety for both you and your cat. For example if you were driving and your cat suddenly jumped on to you, or it got trapped underneath your feet and the brake this could cause a serious accident. Pets can sometimes be unpredictable and for reasons like those mentioned above and more it is always safer to use a cat carrier when transporting your cat to another destination such as the vet.

When choosing a cat carrier you will find there are hundreds of different ones on the market to choose from. Pick one that is suitable for both you and your cat and remember you will need a place to store it when it is not in use. A good cat carrier should be both safe and comfortable for your cat, it should have enough room inside for a fully grown cat to have some freedom of movement, and your cat should be able to both stand up and turn around in side its cage. Air holes on all sides are also needed as this allows the air to fully circulate and your cat to look out.

To make your cat feel comfortable and safe in its carrier it's a good idea to put a blanket in side of it, if your cat has its own blanket on its bedding then that is ideal as the cat will be able to recognize the smell, this should help your cat to feel a little bit safer. The first time you use your cat carrier it is also a good idea to put down some newspaper in side just incase your cat has any "accidents".

It can be awkward getting a fully grown adult cat into its carrier but you can sometimes trick them with food or treats, kittens on the other hand are much easier to get in to one as you can generally just pick them up and place them in side with out to much hassle.

Cat Care: Keeping Your Cat Healthy and Your Home Clean

2009-07-15T20:44:00.000-07:00

There's no question that our cats are full-fledged family members. Their loyalty, their love, and their ability to comfort us are unparalleled. Sometimes, though, their hair or odors can leave an unwelcome footprint in our homes. Just as we clean up the spills made by our kids (or our spouses!), it's up to us to clean up after our cats. Luckily, there are any number of products that make pet care a breeze.

Cat Litter Boxes

Cats are generally low maintenance pets, but their litter boxes often contribute little to you home decor, and can become a smelly nuisance. Today's litter boxes, though, can bring a touch of whimsy to your interior design, while their functionality can put an end to messes and odors.

One line of litter boxes comes in an assortment of patterns and colors, from solid silver and solid black, to polka dot, leopard print and wood grain. The litter tray door pulls out, and a metal sifter rake pulls and lifts litter out of the tray for easy cleaning. Another ingenious design has a triangular shape so that you can easily place it otherwise used corner space.

If you want to make cat care even easier, self-cleaning litter boxes are the answer. One style has an internal grill that traps used litter. You simply roll the enclosed litter box on its side and remove the waste tray. Another type takes self-cleaning to the next level by having a slowly but rotating system that quietly but continuously scoops used cat litter into a receptacle. The ultimate litter box is one that automatically flushes cat waste down your toilet. Instead of cat litter, this box uses permanent granules that are washable. After your cat uses the box, the granules are automatically washed, disinfected, and dried. Liquid and any solid waste are flushed down the toilet with fresh water.

Kitty Litter

When it comes to kitty litter, many cats have a preference for one brand over another. But if you start with the right litter or are persistent, you can find kitty litter that can help eliminate odors while keep your cat healthy. One brand of kitty litter on the market not only neutralizes litter box odors, but also changes color if your cat has a urinary tract infection. Given that urinary tract infections can quickly become life threatening, early detection is key. It's also helpful to have information about a potential infection to give to your veterinarian.

Shedding Tools

Many people who love cats are troubled by allergies, or by the cat hair that clings to furniture and clothes. Products that help with shedding take one of two approaches: either they work at the source of the problem (your furry feline) or they make it a snap to clean up hair off of furniture.

Cats typically shed their undercoat (rather than the hair you see), so a product that helps you remove hair from your pet - a "furminator" of sorts - means you'll never see it on your couch. These products brush out the dead hair from the undercoat (but don't cut it), while bringing your cat's natural oils to the surface. Because this type of product also helps stops over zealous self-cleaning, your cat may be less likely to be bothered by hairballs.

Cat care isn't difficult, and the great litter boxes, kitty litter, and shedding tools make it even easier!

Cat Beds

2009-07-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

Cats and dogs spend a lot of their time sleeping so a comfortable bed is very important. Cats like to be very comfortable when they are sleeping so getting them a cat bed that will keep them warm is a good ides. Heated cat beds can be found right here, with a click of your mouse.

If you are looking for a more traditional cat bed then why not consider a wicker cat bed. Wicker cat beds are great for cats, they offer needed support, as well as comfort for size. A window cat bed is also great, and then your cat can lie lazily in the sun in its cat bed looking out the window. Windowsill cat beds take into consideration the cat’s curiosity.

If your cat is definitely a prince or princess then by all means a fancy cat bed or a designer cat bed is definitely what your cat needs. If you have multiple cats then look at getting a cat bunk bed for them to share, or a cat bed tree. Cats like to be close and share with other cats this will give them the opportunity.

If your cat stay outside most of the time then look at getting your cat an outdoor cat bed or a cheep cat bed that you can replace every few months. Discount cat beds are also great for this reason. Don’t forget to consider pet bedding for your cat bed.

It is important to remember that because cats do shed, a washable cat bed is very important to help keep the cat dander and cat hair to a minimum in your house. Another good ideas it to have two cat beds (even if you only have one cat) this will ensure that you wash your cat bed regularly because you know that there is always a clean one waiting to take its place.

What ever your style as well as your cats needs get the bed that is right.

Caring for a Ragdoll Cat

2009-07-14T23:41:00.000-07:00

The ragdoll cat is a large breed of cat, best known for its easygoing and mellow nature. They have long, thick fur coats and markings that resemble a siamese. Caring for your ragdoll cat should involve a regular feeding and grooming schedule, along with regular visits to the veterinarian for checkups and vaccinations. If you take good care of your ragdoll cat, they will be healthy, happy, and a better active pet for you to enjoy.

Feeding

Fresh food and water is an absolute necessity for your ragdoll. It is recommended that you always have a bowl full of dry food available for your cat, as well as a bowl of clean water. Wet food is probably not necessary on a daily basis, but it is really up to you, and what your ragdoll prefers. You may need to experiment with different brands and flavors of wet food. It can provide extra nutrients and add variety to your ragdoll's diet. We recommend feeding your ragdoll one of the premium brands of food, as the quality is usually better. Usually kittens should have a special formula of food, so check with your veterinarian or local pet store if your not sure.

You should try to clean the water bowl daily, and the food bowl as much as possible to prevent germs and bacteria from building up.

Grooming

Ragdoll coats can vary in thickness and hair type. The average ragdoll hair is fairly thick, and very soft to the touch. The length of the fur can be medium to long.

They usually do a good job of grooming themselves, and don't require excessive brushing. It is a good idea to brush them strenuously a couple of times a week to prevent matting of the fur. The other reason for brushing on a regular schedule, is if you happen to find a knot forming, you can easily brush it out before it gets out of control.

Ragdolls tend to enjoy grooming and make it easy for you to brush away!

Bathing

Bathing is not really necessary if regular grooming is done. It may be beneficial to give your ragdoll a bath a couple of times a year, to clean the coat if really dirty or if they have gotten into something that can not be brushed out.

Make sure that you use a shampoo and conditioner that is formulated especially for cats, as regular human products may be harmful to your ragdoll.

Claws

Declawing a cat is a controversial subject, and one that brings many different opinions. We generally don't recommend declawing a ragdoll unless it will help with the safety within a household, specifically with children. Clipping the claws can be done on a regular basis to avoid damage to your furniture or other items in the house, so if that is your only reason for declawing the cat, your decision should be weighed carefully because it is not reversible.

Keep in mind that if a ragdoll cat is declawed, it should be limited in it's exposure to the outside world. Without front claws, a ragdoll doesn't have much of a defense against other animals or threats that it might encounter.

Litterbox

The litterbox should be kept in a fairly secluded area to allow for privacy, but not so out of the way that it is difficult to access for cleaning. Usually a laundry room or other spare room serves as a good location.

We recommend scooping out the inside of the box at least once a day, and actually replacing the litter weekly. If you have more than one cat, then it may be necessary to clean the box twice daily, morning and night for example.

There are many different brands and types of litter out there, it is just a matter of preference. The main thing is to find something that your cat will use, is easy to keep clean and affordable for your budget.

Veterinarian

You should take your ragdoll to a veterinarian on a regular basis according to what they recommend. You will want to get vaccination shots and any other treatments that will keep your cat healthy and safe.

There may be special considerations if your ragdoll spends more time outside, such as pest control and a higher susceptibility to disease. Make sure you discuss this with your vet and work out a plan that makes sense.

Good Things To Know About Ragdoll Cats

2009-07-14T06:46:00.001-07:00

The Ragdoll cat breed goes back to the 1960’s in California. It is very popular for the relaxation skills the cats in this category are capable of. The Ragdoll cat is able to completely relax, which allows people to handle them in almost any possible way, without the cat to complain about any pain. This is where their name comes from: they go totally limp when picked up! This is probably the fact to cause the whole controversy surrounding the Ragdoll cats. One of the accounts even claims that this breed has been left on Earth by an alien race. Many of these wild claims were made by the breed’s founder and are still passed around.

Their special traits as the characteristic limpness when picked up, as well as their easy going nature are what they are selectively bred for. They are the result of mixing Birman, Persian, and Burmese cats.

To go with its large size and long, muscular body, the legs on the Ragdoll are medium to medium long and the back legs are longer than the front ones. Their chest is very big, as well as the shoulders. To speak about the coat, these cats have silky fur, which needs to be groomed on a daily basis. A wide toothed comb is the best tool for this! This will prevent tangles and remove dead hair that can cause hairballs. A gentle brushing with a long bristled brush is also very good for these cats. The pointed color pattern can be colorpoint, mitted and bicolor. The colorpoint coat takes about two years to fully develop.

These cats come in lilac, seal, blue, and chocolate, but there are also some special colors like red and lynx point. The adult males weigh between 15 to 20 pounds, while female cats are smaller, that is from 9 to 13 pounds. This clearly qualifies the Ragdoll cats as the largest domestic cat. They are wonderful companions though!

When it comes to their personality, you must know that these cats are very gentle and easy going. They are loyal and loving towards their owners. Ragdoll cats are famous for their placid temperaments as well as their affectionate nature. Unlike the other cats, they do not have any fighting instincts, so you they must rather be kept inside than left to defend themselves. They are not aggressive and might therefore be easily hurt by other cats.

Guide to Owning a Ragdoll Cat: Colors & Patterns

2009-07-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

In this article, I will discuss the different types of Ragdoll Cats. Although Ragdoll Cats are a unique breed in themselves, they can be further divided into groups based on the colors and patterns of their fur. The combination of color and pattern can then be used when describing a Ragdoll.

Colors Ragdoll Cats are one of the following four colour types:

* Seal - Mostly cream/beige/fawn with dark brown points, nose and paw-pads
* Chocolate - Mostly ivory with milk chocolate colored points, nose and paw-pads
* Blue - Mostly bluish-white with blue-gray points, nose and paw-pads
* Lilac - Mostly white with pink-gray points, nose and paw pads

Patterns The colored patterns of a ragdolls fur are either:

* Colorpoint
* - The body is predominantly lighter, with darker ears, nose, tail, face and feet points. There is no white fur. Mitted
* - As the colorpoint except with white front paws, rear paws and legs, chin and ruff and a white strip on the stomach. Bi-Color
- Predominately white with darker back, tail and ears with a trianglular pattern on the head between the eyes. Pink nose leather and paw pads.

Training Your Cat to Use the Litter Box

2009-07-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

A lot of people discover that training a cat to use its litter box isn't the difficult process that they imagined. Most of them will quickly figure out how to find their way to their box. And typically the whole process of training has already begun before you even take your new kitten home. The mother cat begins the training process before her brood is even weaned.

Another thing that makes cats easy to train is that they are finicky animals and prefer cleanliness in both their bodies and their surroundings. It's instinctive for a cat to cover up its own waste. So offering them a convenient place to do it in the form of a clean litter box is usually all that's needed.

In case your cat is not trained, however, the whole undertaking of getting your kitty to use its litter box can be accomplished in a few simple steps. Litter box training is really all about creating a new habit for your feline friend.

Each time you feed your cat, get into the habit of taking it to the litter box right after it has finished its meal. It's usual for cats to want to do their business after eating, and you'll encourage that natural tendency if you place them in the box on a regular basis. When this has become an established habit, your cat will start to head off to their litter box as part of their after dinner routine.

If your attempts regarding litter training your cat don't go as quickly or successfully as anticipated, it's important that you remember to be patient. There could be all sorts of reasons why your kitty doesn't want to use the box you have provided for it. It might be in an area that's too exposed. Cats don't like eliminate where they're out in the open and can be viewed by everyone who walks by.

As well, there might be a problem with the brand of litter you're using. Cats are very finicky and a certain texture or smell could be enough to put them off using the box. If that's the case, experiment with various brands and formulations until you find one your cat will use.

There are lots of reasons why you should learn how to toilet train your cat. Visit Cat Toilet Training to find out why and how you can easily teach your cat to give up its litter box and use the toilet instead!

Toilet Training a Cat

2009-07-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

Cats - we love them, however we aren't so keen on the mess they sometimes leave for us to clean up. Cat Urine Stains in our homes are a big problem. The stain is incredibly hard to remove and the smell - disgusting is a word that comes to mind, but still doesn't quite describe cat urine odor effectively. This is where toilet training a cat comes in.

But first, when your cat is urinating in your home there are 3 things we need to look at.

1. Why - what is causing your cat to pee inside on the carpet and furniture, rather than where it should be peeing. We need to address this as part of toilet training a cat.

2. How - we need to clean cat urine out of our carpet and furniture, clothes and any other item we own that our cat has taken a liking to. There is little point toilet training a cat if your home still stinks of cat pee from it's previous mis-adventures.

3. When - NOW! This is when we say "enough is enough!" This is when we start to toilet train a cat.

Lets look at WHY. There are many reasons why your cat is peeing in all the wrong places. The first place to start is with a visit to your vet. You must make sure there is no medical reason first. Then we go on to look at our cats home life - are there other pets, new cats to the home, have you moved, has someone new come to live with you, or someone left. Any of these changes can be traumatic to a cat. Although none of these issues should affect us in toilet training a cat, but they should be addressed just the same. We don't want a sad cat.

Now on to the HOW. There are soooo many different methods available to clean cat urine, some of them work, but unfortunately most don't. Cat urine is one of the hardest stains to remove, I wont go into too much detail as I could fill 10 pages on the subject and this topic is about toilet training a cat, not how to get rid of cat urine. But I will say you need an effective cleaner that will penetrate deep into the fibers of your carpet, or furniture, or clothes or whatever else your cat is urinating on. You need a Natural Cat Urine Cleaner, one that will remove the stain, the smell and above all else, make sure the stain NEVER comes back. I use a recipe that I mix myself when I need it. This recipe uses everyday products that are readily available from your local store, it's easy to make and even easier to use and the best part is the smell never returns.

This is the important one - NOW.

Successfully toilet training a cat can be done with cats and kittens, your kitten needs to be more than 8 weeks old. You can't properly toilet train a cat that is less than 8 weeks old.

If you haven't already, name your cat. Your cat needs to know its name, this is an essential part of toilet training a cat. You'll get much better results if your cat knows its name.

Cats are very private animals when it comes to them peeing and pooing, they tend to hide their "business". Before starting toilet training a cat, buy a litter tray so that the cat knows where it has to go. Make sure the litter tray you buy is enamel or plastic. Fill the litter with some soil, sawdust, sand and cat litters (commercial). These materials are essential for toilet training a cat.

If a kitten is raised with a mother who uses a litter tray for her business, the kitten automatically learns to use litter tray too. Try to familiarize your cat with the litter tray. Put your cat inside the litter tray after she's finished eating or after she's finished playing or even after she wakes up. This will help her to become familiar with the litter tray. Make sure that you put the litter tray in a hidden and quite place while toilet training a cat as like us, cats don't like to be watched.

Praise the cat or acknowledge her after she uses the litter box. Make sure she knows you're happy with her behaviour by patting on her head or some food rewards can also be used.

If your cat isn't using the litter tray, then try to teach her by correcting her immediately after she has finished her business. This can be done by shouting loudly "NO" or more effectively with a squirt bottle full of water, give the cat a light spray at the time she pees or poos in the wrong place. This will help her in learning what is right and what's wrong. Make sure you don't use physical punishment as this is unnecessary and can ruin your relationship with the cat, it's quite ineffective in toilet training your cat, she'll look at you with complete contempt - not respect, and you'll be back to square one.

The last stage of toilet training a cat is to get puss to actually use the toilet. To do this, move the litter tray towards the toilet slowly and steadily. Make sure that you make only slight changes as a big change to the place of litter tray can make your cat suspicious or can even confuse her. You eventually want the litter box sitting on the toilet, once your cat is used to this place you can remove the litter tray and your cat will keep coming to the toilet bowl.

Your mission of toilet training a cat is accomplished. You need to immediately clean up any accidents along the way, if you don't get to it straight away your cat will be drawn back to the site of her accident, rather than the litter box and toilet training you cat will take longer.

Cat Health Insurance Pet

2009-07-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

Cat health insurance pet. When you adopt or purchase a pet cat, the last thing you think about is the

impending financial burden this little darling adds to your family expenses. You may not have heard of

cat health insurance pet, but it does exist and it helps you keep your kitty in the best of health without

placing you in deep debt with vet bills. Whether its for emergency care, unexpected illnesses or

routine care, you need to put a plan in place for cat health care.

By the time you finish this cat health insurance pet article, you will be able to put some real dollar

numbers to the cost of keeping a cat. Being a responsible caretaker of a cat - or any creature -

carries with it certain commitments to physical care. If your current circumstances don't allow for

pet care it is better that you don't take in a cat.

The cost of keeping a cat doesn't end at the cat food bowl. But it usually starts there. Here's a list

of the costs associated with typical care. These costs do not include care for emergency situations

and illnesses. That's where cat health insurance really can pay off.

Typical Cost of Keeping A Cat health insurance pet For One Year :

1. Food: This number is based on commercial dry and wet cat food products. $400

If you use raw meat instead of dry or wet commercial products, your cat will benefit, but you will

have more work to do to prepare and store her meals;

2. Kitty litter $60;

3. Bedding, scratch post, travel carrier $220;

4. Spay or Neutering $50 (when adopted at a local shelter) or $125 outside of a shelter service

veterinarian;

5. Basic Core Vaccinations $75 - $125;

6. An annual veterinary examination with re-vaccination $75 - $125.

In short, you can expect a first year cost of keeping a cat to be about just shy of $1,000 for the

first year. Thereafter $475 - $525 per year and this doesn't included any goodies like toys, treats,

and flea care.

You can see the cost of keeping a cat isn't small change. So what happens if Ms Kitty swallows a yard

of string or rubber bands or Christmas tree tinsel? Now her intestines are all bound up and you have

an emergency veterinary bill to face.

Now you have a big choice to make your cat health insurance pet
You can take on the big expense of this surgery to save her life or end her suffering and humanely

euthanize her.

When you have cat health insurance you don't have to think twice about treating your cat's illnesses

or accidental injuries. You can choose to treat your cat without taking on huge debt to pay the vet.

Standard cat health care plans reimburse from 70% to even 100% of vet bills after you pay the

deductible, typically $100.

When emergencies and unexpected illnesses hit your pet cat, you can bank on cat health insurance to

help you pay the vet bills. A typical kitten insurance plan is around $12 / month. Even senior cats

can enroll in cat health insurance programs for about $26 / month.

The choice is yours. Our life choices are often made in times when love and charity tugs at our

hearts. When it comes to our pets this is a choice for a lifetime.

Your next move? Take a few minutes to compare the best cat health insurance pet deals available for

your cat. Its one of the cheapest cat care choices you can make.

How to care your ragdoll cat teeth

2009-06-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Each kitten has 26 temporary teeth, which begin to appear at about three weeks of age, An adult cat will have 30 permanent teeth. A cat usually begins getting his or her permanent teeth when he or she is three of four months old. Some of these teeth have two roots while others have three.

resporption lesions and gum disease (gingivitis) are The most common dental diseases found in cats. Resorption lesions are also known as cervical line lesions or neck lesions and often result in tooth loss. These lesions are difficult to detect, as they often grow below the gum line. 70% Gum disease is found in over of cats by the age of three. You can tell if your cat has gum disease by looking for yellow and brown starter build up along the gum line and over the tooth, red inflamed gums, and chronic bad breath.

Oral disease is often an indication of other more serious health problems. For example, it is common for a cat with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) to have oral health problems. Dental conditions are also commonly found with feline immunodeficiency virus and feline calicivirus. Therefore, if your pet is have dental problems, you need to see a vet right away about these conditions to make sure they are symptoms of a much more serious disease.

By taking your cat to the vet often and asking about oral health, you can make sure that you are providing the best health care foods and tools for your feline friend.
oral health is important in all mammals. Cats are just like humans they susceptible to a number of dental disease and problems.

Cats can also accidentally break teeth. This can be a result of a fall, a fight with another cat or other animal, or biting into something too hard to chew. Usually, the upper canine tooth will be the tooth fractured. This is the tooth in your cat’s mouth that looks like a large fang. If this is fractured, your cat may or may not be in pain. The first symptom of this kind of a fracture is continuous sneezing.

how to make your ragdoll cat out from the garden

2009-06-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

If a cat has made his way into your garden, it may be hard to get him out. a simply way to make your ragdoll cat out from the garden is with a dog, pit bulls and Dobermans There are a dog breeds that completely dislike cats, . Cats are completely fearful of these breeds, and will flee if they see them around.

Your first line of defense when keeping cats out of your garden is to make sure that you have your boundaries secure. If there are any gaps in your fence, you should make sure that you block them to prevent any low access. Cats are very agile animals, and can jump very high. Normally they can jump a fence, which is why you should also invest in string or taut wire across the top.

All cats are known to despise water as well. If you spot a cat in your garden, water almost always gets him out. All it takes is a bucket of water or a well aimed squirt with a garden hose to make him run away. After you have hit the cat with water several times, he should get the hint not to come back anymore. If he comes back, simply squirt him or throw more water on him until he gets the idea.

you can find motion activated sprinklers, If you visit your local hardware or lawn store. They work great in keeping cats out of your garden. Once you install the sprinkler system and a cat comes into the area, the detector will pick up the cat’s presence and immediately shoot out a jet of water that will douse the cat. In most cases, all it takes is a few times of exposure to the sprinkler before a cat learns to stay out of that area.

Protecting your plants is a different story. Mothballs are said to be very effective, as cats don’t like the smell. You can use mothballs around your plants, garden borders, or even along the fence. There are other repellents that you can use as well, such as cayenne peppers, tobacco, lavender oil, citronella oil, mustard oil, and even lemon grass oil.

Sound devices that feature high frequencies are also a great way to scare off cats, although they aren’t annoying to humans. You can find several different models, such as those that stay on all the time, and those that are motion detected. To use this type of device, you’ll need to make sure that the model you have is strong enough to cover the entire area. If you model you are using is strong enough to cover your entire garden, it should suffice in scaring off any unwanted animals.

You can also use commercial repellents as well. Commercial repellents use scents to keep cats away, and shouldn’t be used near any food crops. Due to their high chemical content, commercial repellents can pollute your crops. You can find them at your local department store, with several varieties to choose from, many of which will fend off other animals from your garden as well.

You’ll need to use patience, as the cat will be confused and not know if you plan to hurt him or not. If you have a garden, it can be very annoying if cats and other animals decide to make your garden their home. If you stick to your guns and do your part, you can prevent them from bothering your garden or your crops. Once you have secured your boundaries around the garden, you should try using water first. If water doesn’t seem to work, you can look into another method, such as commercial repellents.

A good care to your ragdoll cat

2009-06-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

If you have a ragdoll cat, you will need to think about how to make him happy and feel comptible. GIve your full attention, it will make your ragdolla cat very happy. dont' forget to get him to the park everyday, they will very like that and you can always leave a supply of dry food out for your cat. Feeding your pet it will depend a great deal on his age.

cat need to be feed three times a day. Older cats require two small meals or one large meal for the day. Kittens on the other hand, require several feedings a day until they get around the age of 12 weeks. Canned food can be feed to cats, although any food that has been left out longer than 30 minutes need to be disposed of. Cats loved canned food but Canned food is more expensive food, and you should always keep in mind that some may need to be thrown away when you buy it.

you should always make sure that he has enough water, When you give your cat dry food. Dry food costs is more cheaper than canned food, and it is very good to build your cat teeth. If you have time you can make your own food, its very good for your cat, you can buy a new recipe book how to make a nutrition food for your cat.

you will need to give them a brushing at least once a day. Brushing will reduce the risk of hairballs and keep your cat’s coat nice and clean. If you are keeping your cat indoors, you’ll need to have a litter box in an area that is easy for your cat to access. cat prefer for it to be nice and clean so You should always scoop it on a daily, and clean it out once a week it is because Cats don’t like to use dirty litter boxes.

If you own a kitten, you should only give you kitten food designed for him. don't forget to clean and refill his water dish every day. If you forget to change and clean up the water dish, your cat will get diarhea. Treats are fine on occasion, although too many of them can cause your pet to get fat. Feeding your kitten human food is good on occasion, although you may have to mix it in with his cat food.

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2009-05-30T02:42:00.000-07:00

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How to make your ragdoll stay healthy and fresh

2009-05-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

sluggish, laying around all the time, lack of energy and not eating are the signs that you need to take him to the vet immediately, remember Your cat’s behavior can be the one of the most critical factors when you are trying to determine whether or not he is under the weather and if you notice his coat dull and patchy or notice him shedding abnormally, you should contact your vet as soon as you possibly. U must always wathcing your cat every time as possibly.

If your cat seems to be coughing for another reason, you should have him checked out as soon as possible. Maybe he got Diarrhea, even diarhea is a basic sickness, but u must tke him to the expert of cat.

To ensure that your cat isn’t subjected to various diseases, you should always make sure that he stays up do date with his vaccinations. There are several diseases out there that require vaccinations, including rabies and feline distemper. Feline distemper is one of most devastating diseases a cat can get, yet it is also one of the easiest to prevent as well. The disease strikes cats very fast, and leaves you as an own very little time to seek treatment.

Feline diabetes is the other disease. This occurs when a cat becomes aged. The more it grows old, the more it must stay at home.You could obviously notice as well that it gets thirsty so fast. You have to watch its diet for improper food intake is what the real cause of diabetes is. When you notice signs and symptoms like the cat urinates always.

Another problem, which is very common with cats that stay outdoors, is worms. There are several different types of worms, including ringworm and hookworm. Worms can come from fleas, lice, or even the organs of dead rodents that cats consume. Normally, the cat will digest the eggs which will later mature and attach themselves to the walls of the intestines. If you feed your cat garlic frequently during feedings, it can help to protect him against worms.

If he gets the proper vaccinations when he is required to get them, he should be safe against numerous pests and diseases. If you take care of your cat, chances are you’ll keep him healthy for years to come. You should always make sure he has quality food, and doesn’t miss any of his scheduled checkups with the vet. and remember to give him something can make him happy or you can play with him.

The easiest way to give a pill too your Ragdoll cat

2009-05-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

The easiest way to give your ragdoll cat pill is to crush the power into a powdery form by putting it between two spoons. Once the pill is powder, mix it in with some wet cat food. Ragdoll Cats are used to eating dry food will see the wet food and think of it as a treat. They will eat it up, unaware that they just took their medicine.

all you have to do If the medicine happens to be in capsule form, is too pry the capsule apart then sprinkle the medicine on some wet food and serve it to your pet. If the food also contains the pill or if your pet is sick, chances are he won’t eat it. In this event, you should look into a pet piller. You can get these handy devices from your veterinarian. They are plastic rods that hold the pill until you press a plunger. When you get one, you should always get a long one with a softer tip.

When you get your gun, your vet should show you how to use it. The most difficult aspect of using the gun is getting your cat to open his mouth. The gun will more or less shoot the pill in the cat’s mouth, and down his throat. You’ll need to hold him tight, to make sure that he doesn’t wiggle his way loose. Once you have his mouth open, you’ll need to squeeze the trigger and pull the gun away quickly. After the pill has been inserted, make sure you give your cat a treat.

Or you can try giving your cat his pills by your hand. open his mouth with your hand slowly. Once you have his mouth open, you should aim for the back of his throat and throw the pill in. Once it is in his mouth, you should close his mouth with your hand and hold it shut for a few moments. if he hasn’t already, your cat will swallow the pill.

you can go to a local pharmacy and get them to a make flavored gel or liquid using your cats medication, If you can’t get any of the above techniques to work. You should use this as a last selection.

Ragdoll cat And Feline Diabetes

2009-05-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

In America Ragdoll Cats are one of the most popular pets. People really love pets, capable of providing you years of companionship. Like other pets, cats can sometimes get sick. There are several different types of ailments that cats can get, one of which is feline diabetes. It's a serious disease, and it can be treated by a veterinarian.

The symptoms include an increase thirst and urine . loss of appetite, weight loss, that is the Other symptoms of feline diabetes. increase in thirst is easy to detect, as you can easily notice the water dish empty throughout the day.

Sugar, or glucose is The cause of diabetes. pancreas produces is to kept The level of blood sugar under control by hormone insulin in the body or the animal. When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, diabetes
is to blame.

cat will eventually become inactive, vomit on a regular basis, and eventually fall into a coma. You must get your cat treated immediately, to the animal diabetes expert, if you get the diabetes treated in time, the cat will more than likely lead a normal healthy life. Keep in mind that treatment doesn’t happen overnight.

Before you give your cat his insulin shot, you should always make sure that he has some food first. If he hasn’t eaten and you give him a shot anyway, he could end up with a hypoglycemic shock. This can also occur from too much insulin as well. A hypo can be really dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs.

you should always keep a watchful eye on him after you have administered the shot, If you have to give insulin shots to your cat due to feline diabetes. After your cat has been on insulin for a period of time, your vet may reduce the amount of insulin.

ANd the last you’ll need to give him insulin shots once or twice or a day, If your cat has diabetes. and Cats that have feline diabetes will need food at the same time every day. They should be prevented from going outside as well. If your cat has diabetes, you’ll need to give him insulin shots once or twice or a day. checks your cat, the doctor will tell you how many shots and how much insulin you need to give your ragdoll cat. And becarefull If your cat gets a hypoglycemic shock and you aren’t around, he may end up dying.

Look Your Ragdoll Cat breeding

2009-05-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

There are several registries that will recognize around 40 breeds or so, as they exclude the more domestic breeds such as tigers.These days there are over 70 distinct cat breeds, which are recognized through cat registries. There are also many variations as well, including wild cats that have longer hair ragdoll cat and many more.

There are some cat breeds who have roots going back quite a bit in history. Some Japanese breeds, such as the Japanese Bobtail, can be traced back more than 1,000 years in history. These cats were very common and well known throughout Medieval Japan. Now days though, they are all but a myth throughout Japan and the entire world.

The more common cat breeds that are found in North America include the alley cat, long haired cat, and Persian cat. Siamese cats are also common, although they are well known to be destructive and to have a foul temper. Persian cats are very popular, proving to be loving companions. Persian cats can be very expense, depending on where you get it and what type of Persian cat it is.

the most cat common in North America are Alley cats. There are actually several different breeds. They make good pets, although there are literally thousands of them in existence. Cats are known to breed more than any other pet, and they will continue to breed until they are stopped. Alley cats are among the most bred, as there are hundreds of thousands of cats that are homeless - and have nothing to do but breed.

The look of the cat is the easiest way to tell what breed he or she may be. Some people choose to go by color, although color isn’t as easy to identify. Different breeds of cats have different looks, such as the Siamese and Persian cats. Siamese cats are almost always black, and easy to identify by their color and their eyes. Persian cats on the other hand, are easily identified by their body type and their hair.

Over the years, there has been quite a few breeds come along. Cats were one of the first pets, and easily one of the most popular. Millions of people around the world own cats, with many people preferring a cat over any other pet - including dogs. No matter breed of cat you get - you’re sure to get a pet who make for a great companion for years and years to come.

Cat Care Tips - What You Should Know Before You Get a Cat

2009-04-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

Cats are great companions. They can improve human quality of life. So, what are you waiting for? Just get one.

Get a Cat

Not so fast!

There are some rules you should follow when choosing your future pet.

First of all it is important to balance the advantages and disadvantages of having a male or a female, a kitten or a cat, a long or a short-haired cat, purebred or not.

Usually females are more easy to take care of. But males can turn almost like females when they are sterilized.

Kittens have still to be taught to use the litter box. Old cats may already know how to use the litter box but they can also bring bad habits that are not easy to get rid of.

Long-haired cats can be harder to take care of. While these kind of cats must be brushed every day, short-haired cats can take care of their own hair almost without human intervention.

Purebred cats are very expensive. If you only need a cat for companionship you can find a not purebred cat cheap or even for free, so beautiful or even more beautiful than a purebred one.

When you already decided which cat you want you should consider where you can get one. Then, before you actually get the cat, you should examine the cat carefully in order to make sure that you are getting a healthy animal.

The health of the animal is very important. That's why the next step is registering your cat in a veterinarian. There you can get your cat vaccinated. And the veterinarian can give more detailed information about the health of your cat.

by Julia teles

How To Check And Clean Your Cats Ears

2009-04-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

An important part of keeping your cat healthy and happy is checking and cleaning their ears. Because the ears are one of the few parts that cats can not reach themselves they need a little help from a loving owner. Keeping your cats ears clean is extremely important because any unremoved dirt, debris, or wax can clog the ears and cause infections. Regular ear cleaning at home augment’s your cats own natural grooming habits.

1. How to check the ears

During petting, casually check your cats ears for discharge, redness, unpleasant smell, swelling, and even lumps. Also observe your cat’s behaviour, if he often scratches or paws at his ears (and sometimes even shakes his head often), then he might be feeling discomfort in the ear area. If you notice that your cats ears are becoming painful or inflamed, visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian has the equipment to look deep into your cat’s ear canal and give an accurate diagnosis. The veterinarian will determine if allergies, skin conditions, ear mites, bacteria, yeasts, and fungi are causing ear diseases. Seek early treatment, or your cat’s ear condition may become too late to heal.

2. How to clean the ears

Ask your veterinarian for gentle ear cleaning solutions you can use to keep your cats ears clean. These special solutions are effective in removing excess wax, moisture, and debris from your cat’s outer ear canal. Be sure to use only solutions that are specifically formulated for cats. Avoid medicated solutions, unless your veterinarian advises you to use it.

Different solutions are administered differently, but most of them require you to follow these steps.

* You typically only need a few drops of the ear solution. Squeeze the bottle and let a few drops fall on into your cat’s ear canal.

* Start massaging the base of your cats ear gently. You should hear a ‘squelch’ while you do this. Repeat the same

procedure with the other ear. After both ears have been cleaned, let your cat shake its head, this loosens the waxes.

NOTE: Stop massaging immediately if your cat feels pain, and then take your cat to the veterinarian if you haven't already done so.

* Wipe the solution by wrapping your forefinger with cotton wool, this should clean off wax and debris. Do this gently though and do not poke in too deep, or you might hurt your cats eardrum.

It is recommended not to use cotton buds, which can injure the ear canals’ sensitive lining.

by Drew Pilton

Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

2009-04-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

Some cat owners make the mistake of preventing their cat from eating grass. There are various reasons for this, one being that they think it makes their cat ill or upsets their stomach. This is an incorrect assumption and in fact the eating of grass followed by regurgitation is a perfectly natural behavior for all cats.

Cats do not possess the ability to separate meat from fur bones or feathers before eating like we do so they have to eat the digestible parts along with the indigestible parts. When the cat has finished digesting what he can the rest has to be removed from the system. To try and pass this through the digestive tract could cause obstruction and severe illness so this is where grass eating comes in.

The habit of eating grass triggers the natural process of regurgitation of indigestible foods including its own fur balls which would otherwise obstruct the system. This can appear to us humans as if the cat is being violently ill but this is not the case and in fact is very beneficial to the cat.

What about other plants and vegetables?

Cats cannot produce the enzymes needed to break down plant matter. Even when pureed or powdered, vegetables simply pass through the digestive tract without leaving any of their nutritional content. This alone is not harmful to your cat, but when undigested plant matter mixes with highly digestible food such as meat, indigestion and other complications may occur. Grass is an exception however; some cats compulsively eat grass when you leave them outdoors. This will cause them to regurgitate the indigestible matter, including raw vegetables.

If your cat is unable to get access to grass he may attempt to eat your house plants instead. This could be dangerous because some house plants and flowers are toxic to cats, so if you have a house cat like a Ragdoll cat for example you should provide a regular supply of potted grass to prevent him looking elsewhere. And most importantly do not punish your cat for regurgitating on to you carpet because he will not know why you are punishing him. Regurgitation is an involuntary action of your cat’s stomach so he could not stop it happening even if he tried. Cleaning up after the occasional regurgitation should be an accepted part of being a loving cat owner as they are only doing what comes naturally.

by Drew Pilton

This Ragdoll Cat Likes to Wear a Hat

2009-04-26T06:33:00.001-07:00

After losing our 16-year old beloved but crabby tabby cat to old age we really felt a void in our household. For years we had been attracted to the idea of adopting a Ragdoll cat, but Bunky (our tabby) was not at all receptive to the idea. We longed to fill the void in our lives with a breed of cat which is noted for being very gentle and affectionate.

We began to research catteries on the internet and we were lucky enough to find a male, blue color-point Ragdoll kitten which would be available in just a few weeks. The breeder arranged to ship the kitten to us via Continental Airlines. We were a little leery about having a tiny kitten taking a plane trip, but Continental is renowned for their care in transporting animals in temperature-controlled cargo holds.

When we picked up our kitty, Andy, he was just a little 2-pound ball of fluff. He was happy to come out of the pet carrier and he slept, purring in my wife’s lap on the 90 minute drive home from the airport.

Ragdolls are noted for their sweet temperament and Andy fits the bill. Now that he is 18 months old he is almost 14 pounds with a long, muscular solid body and dense, silky hair which is non-matting.
Even with his large physique (and he won’t be full-grown until he’s 3 years old) Andy lives up to the Ragdoll reputation of relaxing all his muscles when we pick him up. He is a big, blue-eyed bundle of fur that enjoys being pushed along the tile floor where he lays waiting in front of the pantry door for a treat. One of his favorite things is being brushed. He actually begs for it so of course we have to comply at least once a day!

He follows me around the house like a puppy dog and is fascinated by water to the point where he will join me or my wife in the shower.
He stays next to where the water is splashing and laps up a long drink while his silky hair becomes dotted with the sparkling drops of water. Andy also likes to wear a hat! If I leave my baseball cap where he can get to it, he ducks his head underneath the hat until just his nose and eyes are sticking out from under the bill. He seems to enjoy wearing the hat as he relaxes beneath it.

The Ragdoll breed is so docile that their claws rarely come out when their humans are playing with them. Andy uses his paws like hands to let us know he isn’t done being petted. When we are asleep he is most comfortable with one of his big soft paws resting on my face or arm.

I can’t say enough about the virtues of this wonderful breed of cat.
Andy and our new little Ragdoll cat, Molly, have certainly enhanced our lives. If you like cats, you will LOVE Ragdoll cats!

by Robert Henie

6 Things To Look Out For When Buying A Ragdoll Kitten

2009-04-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

What you are about to read may save you a lot of
heartache. Buying a Ragdoll Kitten, even from a breeder, can
be a minefield. Here are 6 things you should look for when
going to a breeder for a Ragdoll kitten.

Ragdoll cats are one of the most popular breeds at the
moment. There's good reason for that. The Ragdoll cat is
affectionate and a pleasure to have around. But you really
have to be careful about where you buy your kitten from
because not all breeders are created equal, and you don't
want to end up with a kitten that has health problems.

1. Ask your breeder if the kitten is a full-bred Ragdoll.

It may seem like a silly question to ask, but it's something
you really need to know. Some breeders are cross-breeding
the Ragdoll with other breeds in order to get new colours
and patterns. A Ragdoll cat is only considered to be a
fullbreed when its four generations out from any cross.

2. If a breeder is asking a much lower price than most
others in the area, ask why.

It's possible that the breeder is cutting corners and not
telling you the full story. It's a shame, but you have to be
on the lookout. It could be something as simple as they are
trying to attract more customers, or they have more kittens
this year than expected, but you should ask the question all
the same.

3. Is the kitten 12 weeks old or more?

If you want a well-adjusted kitten then its essential that
you wait until the kitten is at least 12 weeks old. This
gives the chance for the breeder to socialise the kitten, as
all good breeders will know how to do. In addition to this
the kitten's immune system will be much stronger. Make sure
that the kitten has had at least one of its shots. Steer
clear of any breeder offering kittens up at 8 weeks. If they
are doing this it is to save costs, since a kitten grows
especially fast in the time between 8-12 weeks. You're much
better waiting to get your Ragdoll. It will be easier on
you, and easier on them.

4. Get a health guarantee and contract.

Never buy a kitten without a health guarantee and contract.
This protects both you and the breeder. Remember to read the
contract carefully. Don't just take their word for it. A
breeder will be more than happy to sign a contract if they
are certain that their breeding stock is disease-free. Make
sure it's at least a two year guarantee, as some defects
don't show up until a cat is fully grown.

5. Visit the cattery.

If it's at all possible you should visit the cattery and see
the conditions the cats are bred under. There are several
things to look for: overall cleanliness; whether the males
and females are separated to prevent inbreeding; are the
cats with kittens kept separate from the other cats? Just
make sure that the cats aren't too separate. If they
look like they are getting by with a minimum of human
contact this can be just as bad. They'll be nervous around
strangers and you don't want that.

6. Make sure the kitten is socialised.

If the kitten runs away from humans, then there is a good
chance it hasn't been socialised. This will make for a
nervous kitten and maybe even a nervous or neurotic cat when
the Ragdoll cat grows up. If you buy a kitten that isn't
socialised it's going to be hard on them to move...and even
harder on you.

A Ragdoll cat is one of the most beautiful and loving cats
you can buy. When going to a breeder for a cat, you need to
be aware of the pitfalls, so that you and your new kitten
will be happy.

Trudy McDonald

Choosing a Ragdoll Cat

2009-04-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, our family always had indoor-only cats. I grew up with at least one pair of cats (Siamese) around all the time, and there became my love of cats.

When I got married, both my husband and I decided to choose a cat for our new life together. Our criteria was, a family friendly cat which we could keep indoors, a cat which got along well with young children (as we were expecting a child), and a cat which was easy to groom and had a great temperament. Oh, and my husband liked large cats too.

After extensive research over several months and several cat shows, we finally decided that the Ragdoll cat was our perfect pet, and purchased a Mitted Seal Point male who we now call Bijou.

The following information should help you when choosing a ragdoll cat:

The Breed

The Ragdoll was first bred in the 1960's in the USA. It was a cross between a Birman and a Persian-type cat. The breed was found to be so relaxed and laid back that it could be easily compared to a child's ragdoll when picked up. Ragdolls are slow to mature and reach full maturity in 3-4 years. Neutered males can weigh between 13-20 lbs, females about 5 lbs less. It's important to note that these are indoor only cats and should never be let outdoors unless supervised. This breed is so sociable, they can easily be taken by strangers. The coat of this cat is more like rabbit fur than standard cat fur. Although these animals are long hared, they are easy to groom and shed very little with no matting in the fur. A mystery to us indeed, but we like the low maintenance.

Personality

When choosing a Ragdoll cat, you want to take into account that Ragdolls are gentle and affectionate cats.They are sociable and loving and get along with children, other cats and dogs without problems. Although you may read that Ragdolls are quiet cats, that's not the case with ours. Bijou is very vocal and will let you know when he wants to be fed as well as "singing" for us sometimes at night when the lights go out. Although our 7 year old is quite rough with him, he tolerates the squeezing and tugging well. Our ragdoll has never once bitten anyone and probably never will as he is so laid back. One other thing: the ragdoll will frequently follow you around the house like a dog and is quick to come to you when called, and ours is no exception. He also loves to lay down with you on the bed and seems to be with you wherever you are.

Colors

Ragdolls come in a variety of colors and patterns. There are only four colors accepted by the Cat Fancier's Association: Seal, Chocolate, Blue, and Lilac. The colors come in pointed, mitted, or bicolor patters, so when choosing a Ragdoll cat, you will need to do your research to determine which you like.

When choosing a ragdoll cat, you will want to determine if you want a sweet tempered, family oriented cat. If so, then the big ragdoll might be the ideal cat for you.

If you are looking for more information about the Ragdoll cat, I can highly recommend a guide which will provide you with Ragdoll cat specific tips for every stage of your cat's life. Click on the Authors website below if you want the best advice to make your ragdoll happy, healthy, and well behaved

by Mary Freeman

The Right Food to Feed Ragdoll Cats And Kittens

2009-04-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

Cat food can be classified into dry, moist, and semi-moist foods. Each one has its advantages, and Ragdolls need various kinds of food at different stages. Kittens need on the whole breast milk and moist food, while adults require more protein and dry food. Pregnant Ragdolls have special dietary needs that change all through the pregnancy as well.

Ragdoll kittens ought to be only breastfed for the first four to five weeks. Cat milk includes all the nutrients necessary for the kitten's growth, including antibodies that help prevent disease. Breast milk also passes on other antibodies that the mother produced to fight previous diseases.

More food ought to be supplied after four to five weeks, as the kitten requires more nutrients to support its fast growth. Introductory food ought to be easy to digest. Mix canned food with warm water or kitten replacement milk until it constitutes a loose paste. Do NOT use regular cow's milk this is too heavy for kittens and could cause in indigestion.

Dry food

After another four to five weeks, your kitten should be ready for dry food. To make the change easier, moisten dry food with a little warm water in the first few feedings. It's also essential to choose high-quality supplements to dry food and some of the good brands are Iams®, Science Diet®, and Nutro Kitten®. Science Diet Feline Growth® is popular among Ragdoll kittens. Supplements can be provided twice a day with morning and evening feeding. You can switch to adult food after approximately 12 months.

Choosing and preparing kitten food

Ragdoll kittens have fragile stomachs, so take extra care in choosing kitten food. Food should always be warm or slightly above room temperature. Discard all food that has been left out for more than 30 minutes, especially in the summer. Bacteria grows fast in warm, wet foods and may possibly upset your kitten's stomach, or even lead to food poisoning. To stop wasting food, just observe how much your kitten eats at a time so you know how much to prepare per feeding.

House flies can easily contaminate kitten food, so keep your feeding area as fly-proof as possible. Wash the feeding bowl daily with hot, soapy water and replace water in the drinking bowl several times a day. Wash the drinking bowl at the same time and refill with fresh water.

Table scraps can be given occasionally, but don't make regular meals out of them. Cooked human foods do not contain the nutrients necessary for your kitten's growth. Generic cat food from groceries are better, but Stellarhart recommends high-quality foods from specialty pet stores. Also, cats don't like the smell of plastic and metal containers, so use only glass drinking bowls.

Dry vs wet foods

Dry foods are generally better for your Ragdoll, except in the breastfeeding and introductory stage. They work your kitten's chewing muscles and help keep the teeth white. Dry food consists in the main of meat and vegetables, and can be moistened or served dry. Serving them dry allows your cat to nibble throughout the day, rather than eating one large meal at a time. Dry food ought to contain about 9 to 10% moisture, 8% fat, and 30% protein.

Moist food contains about 75% moisture and equal amounts of fat and protein. Not all moist foods are the same some are all-meat or all-fish, while others are a mix of meat and vegetables. The former should not be used for regular meals, as your cat can get addicted and refuse to eat other foods. The small treat cans of variety foods are usually all-meat or all-fish. As with kitten food, moist foods ought to be warmed to room temperature before serving.

Semi-moist food has about 35% water, 27% protein, and 7% fat. Most of them are nutritionally balanced, very tasty, and can be left out for nibbling, but they spoil quicker than dry food.

Kitten treats

Occasional kitten treats will not harm your kitten, but take care not to fill them up so they can still eat regular meals. Treats ought to not provide any more than 10% of your kitten's daily caloric intake. Look for hard chew treats to help improve your kitten's dental health

B. Feeding Ragdoll Adults

Ragdolls are not very active, so they gain weight faster than other cats. Do not let them become obese provide them only 70 calories per kilogram of body weight. A lot of what people believe to be cats’ favourite foods are actually harmful. Here are some of the most common cat food myths:

Fish

Fish may be good for cats, but it can’t cover all their nutritional needs, and too much of the same nutrients can be harmful. Tuna is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which need vitamin E to break them down. too much tuna in your cat’s diet can cause yellow fat disease (steatitis).

Milk

Milk is rich in water and carbohydrates, but many cats are lactose intolerant and get digestive problems a few hours after drinking milk. Regular cow’s milk can cause diarrhoea and loose stools, which can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. If your cat likes milk, use replacement cat milk instead.

Catnip

Cats love the smell of catnip leaves, but it can cause short-term behavioural changes. Catnip is a hallucinogen and may possibly put your cat in a state of near delirium. Some effects include rolling, rubbing, chasing phantom mice, or simply staring into space. Although it’s not addictive, catnip has no place in your cat’s diet.

Dog food

It could be more convenient to feed your cat and dog from the same dish, but it’s not very healthy for either pet. Cats require more protein, taurine, preformed vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, and arachidonic acids, which they can get from a meat-heavy diet. A shortage of these nutrients can make your cat seriously ill, and an overdose can have the same effect in dogs.

Low ash diets

A popular belief among cat owners is that diets low in ash can help discourage urinary tract infection. But that’s only partly true. Ash is not a single nutrient, but is actually a group of minerals including calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Lower levels of magnesium keep urine at its normal, slightly acidic state, but reducing other minerals will have no effect.

Other foods to avoid

Alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol can be toxic and cause fatal complications.

Baby food.

Many baby foods contain onion powder, which can be harmful to the blood.

Fish and meat bones.

Small splinters can cut into the digestive tract and lead to bleeding.

Caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate).

Caffeine can affect the cat’s heart and nervous system.

Citrus oil extracts.

This can lead to stomach upsets and vomiting.

Fat.

Animal fats can lead to pancreatitis.

Don’t feed your cat fatty cooked meats, or at least trim the fat off first.

Grapes and raisins.

These contain a toxin that can harm the kidneys.

Human vitamin and iron supplements.

Excessive iron can damage the liver, kidneys, and the lining of the digestive tract.

Liver.

Liver is safe in limited amounts, but an excess can cause vitamin A toxicity.

Macadamia nuts.

Unknown toxins in macadamia can damage the muscles, digestive system, and nervous system.

Marijuana.

Marijuana can lead to vomiting, depression, and irregular heart rate.

Mushrooms.

Some mushrooms contain highly toxic substances that can affect multiple systems and even cause death.

Onion and garlic (powdered, cooked or raw).

These contain disulfides and sulfoxides, which can cause anaemia. They are harmful to both cats and dogs, but cats are more vulnerable.

Persimmons.

Persimmons seeds can obstruct the intestines.

Potato, tomato and rhubarb.

These can be harmful to the nervous, digestive, and urinary systems. The leaves and stems could possibly also be toxic.

Raw eggs.

Raw eggs can damage your cat’s hair and coat.

Salt.

Salt and salty foods can cause electrolyte imbalance, a potentially fatal condition affecting the heart and nervous system.

String.

Strings from beans and other vegetables may possibly not be digested, which can cause blockages.

Sugar.

Sweets are high in empty calories, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.

Yeast dough.

Yeast can expand in the stomach during digestion, causing it to rupture.

Once you have educated yourself as to the unique requirements of ragdoll cats you will instinctively know what is good or bad for your cat.

by Drew Pilton

Where Did Ragdoll Cats Come From?

2009-04-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

Let me share a short story with you about the Ragdoll
breed and how they came into being. When I first read about
this I was drinking a can of Diet Coke and almost ended up
with it all over the monitor. I have a feeling you'll find
it as amazing and amusing as I did.

I'm going to break the story up into stages, even though it
is interwoven. The reason I am doing this is that the story
of the creation of the Ragdoll breed is convoluted to say
the least. It took me a few reads to really understand what
happened. So here it is...a short history of the Ragdoll
Cat, and how they came into being.

There once was a woman named Ann Baker and she lived in
California. She had two cats, Josephine and Daddy Warbucks.
These two cats were to become the sires of a great breed of
cats. Without going into excruciating details about it,
Daddy Warbucks lived up to his name and eventually with
Joesphine's kittens and his genes a new breed of cat was
born.

Ann Baker called them Ragdoll cats and then trademarked the
name, demanding royalites from other breeders using the name
"Ragdoll" for cats.

She started a cat registry in 1971, after breeding more
Ragdoll cats from Daddy Warbucks, called The International
Ragdoll Cat Association and claimed that the breed differed
in 5 ways from other breeds of cats:

1) They were relatively large;

2) They are less sensitive to pain;

3) They lack skills for self preservation;

4) Their fur does not mat together; and

5) Their bodies go limp when you hold them.

This was all very sane, but it didn't stay that way for
long.

It's an X-File!

In a move worthy of Fox Mulder she started
making very, very unlikely claims about the reason for the
Ragdoll's traits. Some were out of this world. Literally.
The Ragdoll Cat is not what you think it is, according to Ann Baker, who
claimed that the genetics of the Ragdoll cat were from part
of a secret government experiment in genetics...and that
aliens gave her the breed. There were even more claims than
this, but I don't know how you can possibly top that.

Despite her eccentricities Ann Baker was credited with
setting the standard look and temprement of the breed. She
was not the breeder that brought the Ragdoll cat
international recognition, though. Denny and Laura Dayton
are responsible for that happening.

While Ann Baker was taking a walk on the wild side they were
setting up the Ragdoll Fanciers' Club International, and it
was they that managed to get the breed registered with the
NCFA, making the breed a recognised purebred.

You can think what you like. Maybe Daddy Warbucks was
kidnapped by aliens and then became the father of a whole
new breed of cats. Maybe it was hard work and careful
breeding. I'm leaning toward the latter, personally. But if
you see a flying saucer above your house, and are wondering
why it is there, it could just be aliens wanting the return
of their genetic cousin. You never know...

By Trudy McDonald

Ragdoll Cat Care - How Much Do You Know About Ragdolls? Quiz Yourself and Find Out

2009-04-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

If you know anything about Ragdoll cats, you know just how easy it is to fall in love with them. Ragdoll cats require care that other breeds of cat may not. When you are considering ownership of a Ragdoll, it's important to think about what breed specific care your kitty will need.

I've created a short True or False quiz about Ragdoll cats and how to care for them.

Ragdolls are a small breed of cat and reach maturity at about 18-months-old. True or False?

The answer is false. Ragdolls are large cats at maturity. A normal weight for a male Ragdoll is around 15-20 pounds and females tend to be a few pounds less. It takes Ragdolls three to four years to reach full maturity.

Ragdoll cats are easy-going and don't require any maintenance. True or False?

False again. This is sort of a trick question because Ragdoll cats do tend to be easy-going and are not high-maintenance cats. Still, it is best to brush your Ragdoll at least weekly. Ragdolls have beautiful, soft, rabbit-like fur. Matting is not likely to be an issue with Ragdolls, but brushing will help to remove dead hair and prevent shedding.

Ragdoll cats do not feel pain. True or False?

False. There is no question that Ragdolls feel pain. They absolutely do. This myth came from Ann Baker, the creator of the Ragdoll breed herself. Fortunately this myth has been thoroughly refuted.

Ragdoll lovers probably instantly knew the answers to the quiz, but if you're new to the world of Ragdolls, maybe you learned something. There is a lot of information out there about the breed. If you continue studying these amazing cats, I'm sure you will be as much in love with them as I am.

By Marie Sampson

Do Cats Talk?

2009-04-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

Of course they do, they talk to each other and they talk to you.. You just have to learn to be a good listener. It's sort of like a dog's training class, the trainer isn't training the dog, he's training you.

For instance, my oldest cat, an eight and a half year old Ragdoll, is a whiner. I often ask her if she wants whine with dinner. But, apparently, her whining has gotten her what she wants and she's not about to change.

So, when she comes into my bedroom at 5:30 or 6:00 in the morning, I first know she wants me to get up. But I've come to understand there is probably a good reason she wants me up. She has become the ‘spokesman' for an empty food dish. But then, she has four other felines depending on her to make sure the food and water fountain are filled and, believe me, she is very good at it because she is persistent.

Then there is Smokey, our seven year old Russian Blue. He is responsible for getting the pet door to their outdoor kennel opened, first thing in the morning. That's why he is uncharacteristically loud early in the morning. He also takes responsibility for reporting back in, to us and his housemates, if the weather is cold or if it is raining. On cold, wet mornings, he wastes no time with his report. I can tell he wants us to do something about it. I just comfort and sympathize with him until he calms down and finds another spot inside to relax.

Our third vocal kitty is Little Bit, a two and a half year old Manx with a stub of a tail. It has fallen to her to scold the others, chasing them while she does it. She's the most mischievous one in the family. It has also befallen her to be the beggar of treats, starting about 5:00 in the afternoon. Since I like to wait until dusk to bring them in, with the shaking of the treat container like the pied piper, she sometimes has to wait but continues to make her impatience known. After all, she has four others depending on her for their daily treats, so, she continues improving her vocal demands and I know exactly what she is saying.

Then, there is Precious, sister to Little Bit. Precious was given her name before we discovered her personality. Now, when I speak of her, I often say "Precious...NOT." Don't get me wrong. She is very lovable. She is also very vocal. She can be loud when she paces the house calling for her sister. She gets cross, like a sleepy baby, when she wants me to take a nap with her and I'm too busy. She will sometimes spend an hour or more following me every step I make, asking me to take a nap(I swear she says mama, over and over), until finally she gives up and finds a place to nap by herself. She also is like a little girl, watching my every move when I'm folding clothes or some other task, as if she's trying to learn how, in order to help me.

Last, but certainly not least, is Squeaky, a three and a half year old gray Tabby . She got her name when she was a ‘stray' living outside and only showing up for meals twice a day. I would call her for her food and not realize she was there until she was right next to me because of her faint meow. She is still quiet and shy with other humans, basically, only trusting me. She has become friends with Precious and they snuggle together at night. Even though she is shy, Squeaky does talk, mostly to tell me when Little Bit or Smokey are bullying her or when she needs a little love from me, often demanding it quietly by jumping into my chair if I'm working at the computer.

So, you see, they all talk, some more than others. Once you understand the personality of each cat and you learn to listen to them, their communication will become much clearer to you.

by Pat Lemmons

What Are the Top 10 Most Popular Pedigreed Cat Breeds?

2009-04-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

Pedigreed cats are a source of joy and pride for their owners. Besides their gorgeous coats, beautiful lines, and great disposition, these animals offer companionship and entertainment to those who love them. Choosing a pedigreed cat is not easy, but knowing the most popular breeds of pedigreed cats may help.

1. Persian

Persian cats are known for they beautiful long coats and open faces. They supposedly originated in Iran and were transported to the rest of the world along with exotic spices and fine jewels. Cat breeders and owners of Persian cats enjoy their gentle dispositions and quiet voices.

Persian cats are best suited to living indoors because of their long coats. The coat of a Persian cat requires considerable maintenance, but this breed is extremely hardy and long-lived.

2. Maine Coon

The origin of the Maine Coon cat is something of a marvel. Less a product of the work of cat breeders than the result of natural selection, the Maine Coon originated in North America and is known for its superb mousing ability.

Also known for its loving disposition and keen intelligence, the Maine Coon is a beautiful long-haired breed. These cats are wonderful with children and good with dogs as well.

3. Exotic

The Exotic is a variant on the Persian breed. Exotic cat breeders strive to meet the standards of the Persian cat in all areas except coat. Here, the Exotic differs from its higher-maintenance cousin. Exotic cats have a short, easy-to-care-for coat.

Quiet, with a soft, gentle voice, these cats make excellent pets. They are not demanding but are playful and sweet. Exotics are also clean and mature later than other cat breeds. These cats physically resemble a teddy bear or other stuffed animal and make wonderful family pets.

4. Abyssinian

Resembling the sculptures of cats in Ancient Egypt, the Abyssinian has a beautiful, arched neck, slanted eyes, prominent ears, and a powerfully-muscled body. The extremely short hair of this breed makes it distinctive and easy to care for.

Besides their appearance, the Abyssinian has a personality that is unique and easily identified by a cat breeder or educated enthusiast. Abyssinians are known for their remarkable intelligence, amazing sensitivity, and personable attitude.

5. Siamese

Originally from Thialand, Siamese cats are easily identified by their distinctive coats and markings. The color contrast on their coats is remarkable, and the structure of their bodies is also unique. Cat breeders strive to produce a animal with a wedge-shaped head, long, muscular body, and a long neck and tail.

The coat on Siamese cats is very short easy to take care of, making this breed a low-maintenance pet. They are first-rate communicators with a distinctive voice and clear body language. Siamese cats love people and become extremely attached to their doting owners.

6. Ragdoll

A large cat with a relaxed disposition, the Ragdoll has long hair and striking blue eyes. When breeding Ragdolls, a cat breeder is focused on producing animals with specatular, pointed coats, affectionate personalities, and a large body. These animals love people and usually want to be close to their owners.

The coat of a Ragdoll cat requires regular maintenance, but otherwise, these animals do not require any special care. They were developed in the 1960s as cat breeders bred domestic longhaired cats and other free-roaming felines.

7. Sphynx

The result of a 1966 natural genetic mutation, the Sphynx is a cat breed that is sometimes entirely without hair. Cat breeders have worked hard to create a breed that is extremely hardy and has few health problems.

Sometimes there is fine downy hair present on the nose, tail, or body of this cat. The Sphynx has a friendly personality, and is very curious and attention-oriented. Due to the lack of hair on this breed, it requires bathing. However, some people with cat allergies find that they can tolerate a Sphynx.

8. Birman

Orignally from Burma, where it was held as a sacred animal, the Birman is a large, stocky animal with long hair. The coat of the Birman is not prone to matting, making it easier to care for than some other breeds.

The personality of the Birman is considered nearly ideal by many cat owners and cat breeders: at once sweet, quiet, playful, and energetic. The long coat is tipped and is generally a light color with a golden glow. The eyes of this breed are very round and blue.

9. American Shorthair

Known for their spectacular disposition, the American Shorthair is a breed that makes a wonderful companion. This breed is also extremely healthy, long-lived, quiet, and good looking.

Records show that the American Shorthair, originally called the "Domestic Shorthair," came to America on the Mayflower. Cat breeders have worked for years to ensure that these animals have the desired qualities for the breed, despite their physical similarities to ordinary, non-pedigreed animals.

10. Oriental

Devoted to their owners and interested in being a part of all daily activities, Orientals make great pets. They are bred to be curious and intelligent, as well as to have colorful, distinctive coats and long thin tails.

Cat breeders have been able to produce over 300 different patterns and colors of Orientals, making the selection of these animals extremely diverse. They are also noted for their large, open ears and almond-shaped eyes.

7 Characteristics of a Ragdoll Cat

2009-04-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Ragdoll cats are most sought after for
their personalities? I'm going to list 7 traits
that make the Ragdoll cat a pleasure to own.

If you've ever wondered if a Ragdoll cat is the one for you,
then these points may clear it up for you. Onto number 1...

1. They go limp when held.

This is actually a little bit of a myth. Not all Ragdoll
cats will go limp when held. Most do, though. They are a
very relaxed breed of cat, and most love to be held. It sets
them apart from many other breeds.

2. The breed is people orientated.

Ragdoll cats become very attached to their owners. By nature
they are a very social animal and simply love interaction
with the people around them. If you don't like a cat that
hovers around a Ragdoll cat may not be the cat for you.

3. As a breed they are calm yet love to play.

The breed retains a lot of kitten in them as they grow up.
Overall they are a calm cat, but if you put a toy in front
of them watch out! There's nothing more fun than watching a
cat kick a ball around the house. The good news is that they
won't be rough while they are doing it. Gentleness is part
of the breed.

4. They adapt to living in small spaces well.

A Ragdoll cat is perfect for a small apartment, and as long
as you don't introduce them to the great outdoor, they will
willingly stay inside. It's part of their relaxed nature to
adapt easily to living in an apartment.

5. You can train a Ragdoll cat to do tricks.

You've heard the saying that dogs have masters and cats have
staff? They are one of the few breeds who will put that aside and allow you to
teach them tricks. They are an intelligent breed and all it
takes is a little encouragement and you are off and running.
They will retrieve toys, fetch, and shake hands among other
things. You can have hours of enjoyment teaching your cat
new tricks.

6. They are not destructive in the home.

Most cats prefer to climb, jump on surfaces and generally
get into tight spaces. Not so, the Ragdoll cat. They are one
of the few breeds that actually prefer floor level to
jumping up on the kitchen bench. This makes them ideal if
you have a lot of breakables.

7. Their plush coat does not require excessive grooming.

Despite having a long coat they are one cat that does not
require you to brush them every other day. One of the
characteristics of the breed is that their coat does not mat
easily, and is so fine and light it doesn't tend to get
caught in the fibres of furniture, either. This is yet
another reason they are a great indoor cat.

If you are thinking of getting a Ragdoll cat, then these are
7 good reasons to look more closely at the breed. Just
remember that each cat is an individual, and not every
characteristic will apply.

Ragdoll Cat History is Stranger Than Fiction

2009-04-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

The origins of Ragdoll cats are full of myth and controversy. This cat’s history is often contradictory and confusing; some of the Ragdoll story is just not possible. Other parts we know to be factual. First things first: the Ragdoll cat breed started in California back in the 1960s.

It was founded by a woman named Ann Baker. The very first cat of this breed was for all intensive purposes a regular cat named Josephine. Ann Baker noticed something special about Josephine and her offspring. She decided to breed for this characteristic. Ragdoll cats get their name from the fact that they go limp like a Ragdoll when held. Ann Baker went so far to trademark the term Ragdoll; anyone who bred Ragdoll cats had to pay her royalties to use the name.

It is for this characteristic of the Ragdoll cat breed that Ann Baker made her unusual claims. Josephine was once hit by a car. On one account Ann Baker claimed she had taken the injured cat to a local University to have her patched up; she asked the University to give her cat new DNA and this is why Ragdoll cats came to be.

Another claim the breed's founder made was that Ragdoll cats feel no pain whatsoever. The reason she gave for this followed suite with her previous claims that the cats were genetically altered and that they were in fact, alien hybrids. Move over x-files, there have been alien-feline hybrids on earth since the 60s.

Other claims made about this breed of cat are that they felt no fear, they are the ideal cat for people with cat allergies, and they do not have cat instincts due to the fact they are alien hybrids.

When it comes to myths about Ragdoll cats, ragdoll history is truly stranger than fiction.

How to teach your ragdoll lie down

2009-04-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

To teach your cat lie down, you will need. your ragdoll cat mealtime, a quiet room where your cat fell comfort, your spesific command (down) You say down to your cat, the reward ( your cat favorite food or special treats)

Gently sit the cat on the table at the edge nearest to you, and pet him so he is comfortable.

You hold the food reward in one hand slightly below and in front of the table (but not close enough that he can grab it), give the command "Your dog name, down."

When the cat lowers himself to reach for the food, hit the clicker (or use your positive sound) and say "down, good down." Immediately give him his food reward.

Eventually your cat should respond to the command "down" and a downward gesturing of your hand, without the food being held below the table's edge.

Once your cat has learned this behavior consistently, you no longer need to place him on a table.

Ragdoll – What are They?

2009-04-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

Anyone looking for a cat that is laid back and gentle should look at the catbreed "Ragdoll." The breed was developed during the mid-nineteen hundreds by a cat breeder in the US. He bred a cat that when people held it, it would be limp like a Raggedy Ann doll.

The breed was a cross between a Birman cat and another type of longhair cat from an unknown ancestry. The Ragdoll had a calm, relaxed nature, and although the Cat Fancier's Association did not initially acknowledge the Ragdoll, their descendants became the gentle Ragdolls we know today.

This breed is one of the largest of the cat breeds, weighing between ten and twenty pounds. It is no surprise that such heavy cats have big, muscular bodies. Their heads are slightly round, their ears are small and rounded, and a Ragdoll cat's large eyes are bright blue. This breed's tail is slightly bushy and tapers at the end.

The Ragdoll comes only in a few colors and patterns. Truly, there are actually only 4 colors accepted by the Cat Fancier's Association, Seal, Chocolate, Blue, and Lilac. You can find these colors in pointed, mitted, or bicolor patterns, but occasionally breeders avoid mitted cats because they look too much to the breed's Birman ancestors.

The Ragdoll's calm demeanor makes it the perfect choice for families. These cats are almost dog-like in their behavior, greeting relatives at the door, following them through the house, and snuggling down beside them on the couch. If you do not believe in de-clawing your cat, but are concerned about having your furniture ruined, you may want to consider this breed also. Some Ragdoll breeders say their cats have learned to use a scratching post instead of furniture arms to sharpen their claws much faster than their other cat breeds. Because these cats seem to make an effort to keep from scratching people, as well, they may be less likely to scratch furniture as a choice.

While this cat breed does not particularly want the company of other pets and seems to prefer to spend time with family members over cats, it does not mind habituating with other pets. Perhaps this preference is because this breed is so much larger than other cats, but it is more likely because the Ragdoll is just so mellow.

Since the Ragdoll is a longhair animal, many prospective cat owners are a little bit hesitant about choosing this breed. They are afraid they won't have time for the frequent grooming most longhairs have to have. However, this breed's silky coat texture makes it a very low care cat. Combing through your cat's hair weekly to remove stray hairs or debris is all that is necessary to keep his coat looking fantastic. One thing you may want to remember is that although most longhairs are prone to hairballs, Ragdoll cats rarely develop them.

If you want a sweet-tempered, family oriented animal, then the big Ragdoll may be the best breed for you.

Are You Considering Buying A Ragdoll Cat?

2009-04-07T01:20:00.000-07:00

Ragdolls are large cats with pretty blue eyes and soft bushy tails. They do not have extreme features. A male ragdoll cat may reach over 20 pounds and a female cat reaches as high as 15 pounds. Their coats are soft and feel much like cashmere.

Ragdolls have four different types of coat patterns: van, bicolor, mitted, and pointed. Each of these patterns come in six different colors: blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, and seal.

Pointed ragdoll cats have siamese type markings with dark ears, legs, and tails with a creamy colored body.

Mitted ragdoll cats look like pointed ragdolls except they have mittens and boots are soft, fluffy white, and so are their chins.

Bicolor ragdoll cats have white legs, a white underbelly, a white chest and an upside down V marking on their face are white. Only the tail, ears, and the outer part of their masks show darker markings.

Vans ragdoll cats have crystal white bodies that contrast with their point markings and blue eyes. Only the top of the maks, ears, and tail, and sometimes some spots on the body show darker markings.

Ragdoll cats are gentle cats which are careful not to scratch people and they are good with children, older people, and with dogs. They usually will not scratch or bite even when frightened or in pain. They are usually not jumpers. They like to stay on the floor. They do not speak very often and when they do speak they have a soft voice. They are people oriented cats that will often greet you when you get home from work. They will follow you around, sleep with you, and generally keep you company wherever you go in the house (even the bathroom!) Ragdolls love attention.

Ragdoll cats are calmer cats compared to some. They are less likely to be knocking stuff off your table or knocking a cup out of your hand than some other cats!

Ragdolls need little help when it comes to grooming. They groom and bath themselves. They rarely shed, have hairballs, or need any grooming at all unless they are a show cat. While Ragdolls do not normally need to be combed they actually do enjoy it!

Ragdolls are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. They are a friendly calm breed of cat. If you are on the look out for a new cat then a ragdoll is definitely a great choice!

The Ragdoll Cat

2009-04-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

The Ragdoll is one of the highly prized cat breeds around the world. The beautiful cat dates its origin back to the nineteen sixties when it was first developed in California, United States. Since then it has undergone a few changes but it still remains one of the best varieties among domestic cats as far as temperament and looks are concerned. A relatively big cat, the average Ragdoll weighs in the range of ten to twenty pounds, with males being larger than average females.

With its deep chested muscular physique the Ragdoll is an impressive physical specimen amongst house cats. Its long silky coat comes in four patterns, namely mitted, van, bicolor and colorpoint. Established fur colors are six. These include blue, chocolate, cream, lilac, red and seal. Points exist on face, ears, tail and legs like the Siamese, in various patterns including lynx, tortie and solid. Ragdolls are slow in development and do not reach their full size with a well developed coat until three to four years of age. When fully grown they have a curved profile with large hindquarters. They have big beautiful blue eyes and a very sweet facial expression.

Ragdolls are the most laid back of all cats. They almost never get into fights and don't known how to defend themselves. Therefore they must never be left outdoors. It is often reported that they go limp when picked up though this may not be true in all cases.

Owing to their loving and sweet nature, Ragdolls make excellent pets for a household. They are playful though they keep their claws sheathed during play. They are gentle and affectionate animals and are also considered often to be the most loving of all cats. They follow their humans around everywhere, displaying a tender attitude towards them. The single layered coat doesn't shed or tangle easily and therefore does not require as through grooming as that of the Persian.

Ragdoll - the Facts Every Owner of This Cat Breed Should Know

2009-04-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

The Ragdoll breed of cat was developed by a breeder in California, Ann Baker, in the 1960s. She bred a white female Persian that carried Siamese markings to a male Birman. She introduced those offspring to a female Burmese, resulting in today's Ragdoll, a medium sized breed with oval blue eyes and a medium length coat with Siamese markings.

Mature Ragdolls (considered adult around age three), are heavier than other breeds; males will weigh anywhere from twelve to twenty pounds and females ten to fifteen pounds. They will live an average of twelve to twenty years. Their fur does not tend to mat or shed excessively, all though regular grooming is a must (something this breed does not mind).

A Ragdoll's coat will start all white at birth then develop into four colors: seal, which has dark seal brown points with a light tan body; chocolate, which has milk chocolate points with an ivory body; blue, which has dark gray points with a pale gray body; and, lilac, which has pinkish gray points with a frosty white body. In addition to these colors, Ragdolls have three patterns: colorpoint, which has dark points (ears, tail, face, and feet) with a body of a lighter shade and no white markings; mitted, which has dark points and lighter body, but also has white 'mitts' on the front paws, white 'boots' on the back legs and feet, a white chin, a white strip on the stomach, and a white ruff; and, bi-color, which has the dark points (ears and tail), but the mask is interrupted by a 'V' running between the eyes and expanding into the muzzle.

Ragdolls make good family pets for several reasons. They like their human company and try to be 'considerate' of their family. Ragdolls take care not to scratch children and are gentle around them, and will follow their family around the house to be in their company. They are not noisy and talkative, and tend to keep their purring at a low volume.

Ragdolls are also intelligent cats and can be trained easily when given rewards. They are described as docile and laid back almost to a fault. Because of this temperament, Ragdolls are less likely to defend themselves in dangerous situations. For this reason, Ragdolls should be kept indoors at all times and away from more dominant animals (whether cat or another family pet). This is a healthy breed of cat and Ragdolls do not have any unusual medical concerns.

by By Robert W. Benjamin

International Ragdoll Cat Association

2009-04-05T03:27:00.000-07:00

The International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA) is a small cat breeding organization devoted to the Ragdoll and related breeds such as the Honey bear and the Miracle. It was founded in approximately 1971 by Ann Baker, a Persian cat breeder, who established the Ragdoll breed from a unique stray cat named Josephine found in California in the early 1960s.

Ann Baker, in an unusual move, spurned traditional cat breeding associations. She trademarked the name "Ragdoll" and enforced stringent standards on anyone who wanted to breed or sell cats under that name. Baker has alienated some breeders by scientifically improbable claims that her cats were genetically combined with skunks, were developed by an undercover Government project, or were related to Extraterrestrials[1].

The IRCA is still in existence today but is quite small, particularly since Baker's death in 1997. IRCA cats are not recognized in any major cat breed organization or cat show, though some IRCA cats have been registered as "Ragamuffin" cats. The Ragamufin history and breed standard remains somewhat confused.

In 1975 a husband and wife team, Denny and Laura Dayton, took a breeding pair of IRCA Ragdolls and began breeding the currently favored Ragdoll standard. The standard they developed was eventually accepted by major cat organizations such as the CFA and the FIFe. The largest international Ragdoll association is the Ragdoll Fanciers' Club International (RFCI) [2]. At this point in time neither organization recognizes the other as legitimate.

source : wikipedia

A Beginner's Guide to Ragdoll Cats

2009-04-05T03:20:00.000-07:00

The original Ragdoll Cat Breeder was Anne Barker who created the breed in the 1960's and they were brought worldwide attention by Denny and Laura Dayton. Anne bred Ragdolls from predominately Persian and Burmese breeds that had desirable traits such as a large size, a placid demeanor and a fondness of being around humans.

Physical Description

Although they are large compared to other breeds (males are between 12-20lbs and females are between 10-15lb, on average), they are very gentle beings and are generally happy to be picked up by people. They have a muscular body with short legs, however because they are docile, they should not be left outside for prolonged periods - or at all - as they will not defend themselves if attacked. For this reason, Ragdoll Cat breeders will tell you it is very much an "indoor" cat. Ragdoll's have large blue eyes and rounded ears that tilt forward slightly.

Coat

The Ragdoll Cat is a medium-long haired cat that are categorized into one of the following colors:

Seal - Fawn and dark brown

Chocolate - Ivory and chocolate brown

Blue - Pale gray and dark gray

Lilac - Frosty white and pinkish gray

They also have different patterns on their fur that Ragdoll cat breeders split into the following categories:

Color point - Dark colored feet, ears, tail and face with a lighter body color and no white markings.
Mitted - Similar to a color point but with white paws, chin, stomach and ruff.
Bi-color - Dark points on the ears and tail and light between the eyes. Dark points also on the back with a pink nose and paw pads.

Although it has a soft medium-long coat, a Ragdoll Cat will not require to be groomed constantly and it's fur will not matt or shed to excess.

Personality

As previously mentioned, Ragdoll Cats are sociable creatures so you must be able to give them attention and not leave them alone for long periods. They are also quiet and not particularly active. They make a loving companion that is easy to train and will got along with other cats.

Summary

I hope you now understand a little more about Ragdoll Cats and if you decide that the Ragdoll is right for you, you will discover it can be a highly rewarding experience.

Daniel Dutton

Guide to Owning a Ragdoll Cat: Top Five Tips for Ragdoll Cat Breeders & Owners

2009-04-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

1. Always make time for your Ragdoll. Ragdoll Cats are notoriously sociable creatures and require a lot more attention than other breeds. It is important to make you spend time with your Ragdoll preferably every day. Without your interaction, they could quickly develop behavioural problems. You can give your cat the attention it needs by simply playing with them or grooming them.

2. Groom your Ragdoll at least once a week Although Ragdoll Cat's require less grooming than other long-haired cats, it is important to groom them at least once a week. Not only will your cat have a beautifully groomed coat but it will also prevent the chances of your Ragdoll getting hairballs.

3. Don't let your Ragdoll outdoors alone. Ragdoll Cats should be either be kept indoors or be closely monitored if they are outdoors. Their gentle demeanour means that they will not defend themselves if attacked and they are at risk of contracting parasites.

4. Prevent scratching by covering the affected area with tin foil Many Ragdoll Cat breeders and owners have problems with their cats clawing furniture and other objects around the home. An easy way to stop this is by wrapping tin foil around the object. Cats do not like the texture of the foil and cease scratching it.

5. Make sure your Ragdoll has plenty of toys to play with One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a Ragdoll Cat is watching it play (and even joining in!). Playing is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your Ragdoll. Not only does it provide fantastic exercise but allows cat and owner to bond, so it is important that your Ragdoll has plenty of toys to play with. Toys can either be bought from a pet store or found around the house. Something as mundane as a cardboard box or a large bottle top can provide hours of entertainment.

I hope these tips have been of use to you and I wish you many happy and enjoyable years with your Ragdoll Cat.

If you want to know more about Ragdoll Cats, I can highly recommend The Complete Ragdoll Cat Keepers Handbook by Drew Pilton. In it you will discover a plethora of "trade secrets" for looking after this amazing breed including training your Ragdoll, feeding your Ragdoll, understanding it's body language and professional grooming techniques. Written by Ragdoll experts, this book is essential reading for all serious Ragdoll cat and kitten breeders.

by Daniel Dutton