Advantages of Spaying or Neutering Your Pets

Here's more info on cat/dog spaying and neutering obtained from the DBKL-SPCA Neutering Clinic.

Photo (c) i.ehow.com

Pet Population Control

Thousands of stray pets face euthanasia monthly or are suffering on the streets so, please spay your pets and help prevent this problem.

Health Benefits

Females

• Decreases the risk of mammary tumors (breast cancer)
• Eliminates the risk of uterine infections (pyometra)
  
• Reduces the risk of TVT (Transmissable Venereal Tumour), a sexually transmitted cancer

Photo (c) al-wfa.com

Males

• Reduces the chnaces of TVT
  
• Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer
  
• Reduces the risk of prostate cancer and anal gland cancer
• 

Photo (c) teachacat.info

Behaviour Benefits

• Reduces stress
  
• Prevents wandering and roaming in search of females, which can lead to road accidents, fighting thus exposing to wounds and infections and spread of disease such as TVT
  
• Eliminates marking of territory by urine spraying thus reducing odour
  
• Reduces interdog aggression
  

Myths and Facts about Spaying and Neutering Your Cats/Dogs

Got this fact sheet from the DBKL - SPCA's Neuter clinic recently. Would love to share this with pet owners wherever you are. It is indeed very important to control the pet population, otherwise we'll keep seeing stray cats and dogs being discarded like garbage and end up in foodcourts around us. When they are stray, they are exposed to many health threats and the danger of being run over by cars. Pity these animals.

If my pet is spayed/neutered...

Myth: My pet will get fat an

d lazy.

Fact: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise.

Myth: It's better to have one little first.

Fact: Medical evidance indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. Do check with your vet for the appropriate time for these procedures.

Photo (c) kitten-lair.net

Myth: My children should experience the miracle of brith.

Fact: Even if children are able to see a oet give birth - which is unlikely, since it usually occurs at night and in seclusion - the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to them that the real miracle is life and that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others.

Photo (c) vawokc.org

Myth: I want my dog to be protective.

Fact: Spaying or neitering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.

Myth: I don't want my male dog or cat to feel less of a male.

Fact: Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.

Photo (c) animalhospitaltampa.com

Myth: But my dog (or cat) is so special. I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her.

Fact: A dog or cat may be a great pet but that doesn't mean her offspring will be a carbon copy. Professional animal breeders who follow generations of bloodlines can;t guarantee they will get just what they want out of a particular litter. A pet owner's chances are even slimmer. In fact, an entire litter of puppies or kittens might receive all of a pet's (and her mate's) worst characteristics.

Myth: I'll find a good home for all the puppies and kittens.

Fact: You may find homes for all of your pet's litter but each home you find means one less home for the dogs and cats in shelters whp need good homes. Also, in less than one year's time, each of your pet's offspring may have his or her own litter, adding even more animals to the population. The problem of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter ata time.

So, think about neutering or spaying your cats and dogs. All you have to do is love them till their last breath and protect them with whatever you have. We are proud to say that all our seven children are neutered and spayed.

The Importance of Bonding With Your Pet

Healthy relationships that go a long way

Here's another tip obtained from Pets Corner for those with or planning to have a pet, whether it's a dog or a cat.

The canines and felines of the world are happiest when their owners return from work and spend a few hours with them. Tails go wagging in dogs while cats get all affectionate and start nuzzling at your ankles. The purring sounds made by cats will make any owner glad he or she's home. Some owners will proudly say their pets even wait for them patiently at the door for their safe return.

Toys are good for pets

The amount of joys you can derive from pets is numerous. How can we repay them? Toys make a big difference for most cats. Depending on their age, woolly balls and cat toys are very exciting to curious felines and they could spend endless hours playing with them. Some kittens can be quite gregarious and enjoy ‘fetching' just like dogs, only difference is they don't bring it to you.

Owning dogs can be very therapeutic for many since dogs just love jumping on you and showering you with kisses as a sign of welcome. Some can even go overboard with their affections and knock you off-balance.

Playtime

Kittens have their fair share of fun. I know of a kitten that actually sits in the laundry basket knowing full well that her mistress is going downstairs to dry the clothes. The kitten is so clever it will actually jump into the basket that is filled with damp clothes and wait patiently. As soon as the mistress puts the basket down, it will jump out and start all her childish pranks such as catching the owner's ankle when they move, hopping on the grass and so on.

A pet owner indeed has the finer bits to any story and this may be one reason why most owners are filled with so much joy from all their rendezvous with their adorable pets and even regard them as their ‘darling daughter' or ‘son'!

Anyway if you'd like kitty to play in a certain area such as the scratch post, you can use the herbal form of ‘cat-nip' to attract them. It can be placed inside a sachet or small cloth to attract cats to that area. It contains pure natural catnip herb and cats find it irresistible and they will start playing near those areas.

Dogs wait anxiously to play ‘fetch', some even love to play their kind of football and any game that involves the master is considered an added ‘bones' (bonus).

All pets can be trained and molded to become loyal and perfect companions for man. We must exercise lots of patience and realize that when dogs are placed in kennels first of all they are bored.

Love,
Abah & Ayah

Cats Make Great Pets

An Article from Pets Corner.

Cats make wonderful companions for children and adults alike. Cats by nature, are curious creatures. They are independent and like to roam where and when they please. Ever heard of this saying, “Dogs come when they're called, but cats tell you to take a message and get back to you later”. Ask any cat lover and he or she would tell you how true that is.

Therefore, before you think of purchasing or adopting a kitten, it is indeed very important to look at all aspects of owning one as a pet. You should be prepared to care for him for his basic needs, that is food, shelter, annual check ups, vaccinations and most important of all, your time spent in building that special bond with him.

Kitten protection for your home

You don't have to discourage their curious nature, but you do have to be prepared for it. Please note the list below for your kitten's safety.

• Store all poisonous or dangerous materials in a tightly closed cabinet.
• Keep toilet lids down. Your kitten could fall in.
• Store plastic bags in a drawer where your kitty can't get to them. Kittens love to bat bags around, but they pose a threat of choking and suffocation.
• Keep household items like string, sewing supplies, rubber bands, twist-ties, etc,. away from your kitten as they can be easily swallowed.
• Electrical cords should either be tacked to the wall or wound up and bound so your kitty won't risk getting shocked.

The right start — Choosing the correct food for your kitten

• Choosing a pet food that is nutritionally balanced, without excesses or deficiencies will help avoid health problems for your cat
• It should be also fortified with vitamins and minerals including anti-oxidants for extra protection against diseases.
• Feeding the right food to your cat will help avoid adult diseases like obesity, diabetes as well as organ damage when they are older.
• There are many pet food in the market, and the choice made by you will determine the health of your cat. Do remember, however, that the transition from one pet food to another should be done gradually within a period of 7 days so that your cat will not have a tummy upset or diarrhea. Feeding too much food can also cause diarrhea in some cases.

Play areas for your kitten

It is your kitten's nature to want to scratch your furniture, your drapes, etc. But contrary to what you might think, it's not doing this only to sharpen its claws (you'll notice that even cats that have been declawed still do this). Cats usually scratch for exercise. They also scratch to mark their territory. A good way to prevent your kitten from scratching the sofa would be to provide him a scratch post that is tall enough to let your cat stretch out along its full length. Your kitten will notice and use it more and more if you put in plain sight. He will then play near it and gradually he will be drawn to the scratch post rather than the furniture. Catnip herbs are wonderful in distracting your kitten. You can place some catnip herbs in a cloth tied in a sachet and leave them near the scratch post to encourage playing in those areas. Your kitten will certainly have hours of fun.

The best person you can rely on would be your veterinarian if owning a cat is a totally new experience for you. Do ask your veterinarian's advice about the important vaccinations if you bought it from the breeder or pet shop.

If you live in an apartment or condo, it is best to make use of cat litters for a clean, hygienic environment. For those of you who allow your cat out, make sure you have some form of identification tag on her so that even if she ever gets lost, someone who finds her can trace you, her owner, easily.

However, when you expose them to the outdoors it is best to keep your eyes open since they can get into injuries. They are also susceptible to disease, fights with other animals and traffic accidents. We have all heard of tragic stories that some of our lesser fortunate pets have gone through.

Brushing Your Cat

How often your cat needs grooming depends upon several factors: type and length of coat, weather conditions, etc. Generally speaking, short-haired cats should be groomed about twice a week, while long-haired cats should be groomed daily. You will soon find the grooming frequency that provides the best results for your cat. It is important to establish and adhere to a regular grooming schedule. These sessions should be scheduled at a time that is convenient for you. Make sure that you allow time to provide proper grooming and are not likely to be interrupted.

Why is regular grooming important

Regular grooming is essential to your cat's health and well-being. Regular combing and brushing will keep the coat clean and healthy, stimulate the skin, and allow the natural oils to circulate to the coat. It will also help to prevent hairballs, which are the result of loose hair being picked up by the cat's tongue and then swallowed. These hairs sometimes accumulate in the cat's stomach forming hairballs which can be harmful to the cat.

Grooming will also allow you to check for potentially serious problems. Check for areas of hair loss, inflammation, unusual tenderness or lumps under the skin. Good grooming habits also prevents fleas and ticks on your pet and thus helps keep them under control. Constant scratching in a particular area may also be an indication of a problem. Check with your veterinarian about any unusual problems you may find.

Pets as Family Members

Another article from Pets Corner

For many people owning a pet is not just a hobby. Today, many pet owners regard their pets as part of the family. In Malaysia, some pet owners go to great lengths in caring for their pets, but then there are still a handful of owners who discard their kittens, abandon puppies and leave them in dump sites to fend for themselves at merely a day old! A few days ago we read in The Star, about the plight of some kittens and how they were saved by a very kind hearted lady. When will people stop abandoning their animals?

Being responsible for our pets by spaying or neutering them is the best way to prevent over breeding or overpopulation of cats and dogs. Every year many companion animals end up in shelters and some of them are euthanised due to sickness and space constraint.

A responsible pet owner is someone who loves his pet unconditionally and does anything and everything necessary to keep his pet happy and healthy. Responsible pet owners provide for the basic needs of their pet (food, water, grooming, medical care, etc). and lavish love and attention on them.

They protect the health, safety and happiness of their pet, as well as that of their neighbors and their community.

Responsible owners train their pets wherever possible and prevent their pets from roaming since pets face many dangers (cars, other animals and disease) and may cause problems such as biting, breeding and destroying property. Responsible pet owners keep their pets inside or control their pets with a fence, a run or a leash at all times. If their pet is ever lost, a permanent identification tattoo, tag or microchip will help them return home quickly and safely. You should also keep a current photo and current record of your dog's age, weight, height and markings. The decision to buy a pet is a big one and the commitment to care for a pet properly is even bigger. Before you buy or adopt a pet you must be 110% ready to honor that commitment and responsibility for your pet's entire life.

The vaccinations and visit to the veterinarian must not be overlooked either. Dogs and cats are susceptible to heart worms, and internal parasites such as intestinal roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. For your information heart worms are carried by mosquitoes, and this disease can be fatal. Your veterinarian will recommend a prevention program for your pet. Don't forget the external parasites too such as fleas and ticks.

A survey carried out in the United States showed that a majority of American households (57% have dogs, cats or both pets in residence, but virtually everyone-more than nine in ten –considers his or her pet a member of the family. Here's some other interesting facts about pet ownership in the U.S.

1. Americans spend about $5 billion on holiday presents for their furry friends.

2. 63% of dog owners and 58% of cat owners surveyed said they give their pets presents at Christmas.

3. 40% of dog owners and 37% of cat owners hang Christmas stockings for their pets.

4. 36% of dog owners give their pets presents on their birthday, as do 20% of cat owners.

5. About one-fourth of dog owners (27%) and cat owners (23%) sign their pet's name on greeting cards or notes.

6. 64% of surveyed pet owners said they include news about their pet, and 36% include a photograph in their holiday cards.

7. About 27% of pet owners claim to have taken their pet to a professional photographer to have a picture taken with family, Santa Claus or the Easter bunny.

8. About one-third (37%) of dog owners and a similar proportion of cat owners (31% have their pet's picture prominently displayed in their homes, and 14 and 10% respectively, display it at their place of work.

9. About 10% of dog and cat owners carry their pet's picture in their wallet or purse.

10. In about 20% of households containing a dog or cat, the owner leaves the TV, radio or stereo on when the animal is left alone, presumably so it won't become lonely.

11. 16% of dog owners and 14% of cat owners claim to have bought a car or home with a pet in mind.

12. In 70% of feline households, cats are allowed to lie on the furniture. In 40% of canine households, dogs are allowed to do so.

13. In 65% of cat-owning households, cats are permitted to sleep at night on some family member's bed vs. 39% of dogs.

14. 45% of pet owners set up a special bed for their pet in the house.

15. In 75% of the nation's dog-owning households, the dog is treated to rides in the family car vs 38% of households with cats.

16. In one-third (34%) of households surveyed, the dog goes along on family vacations, whereas only 11% of respondents take the cat along.

17. 25% of the pet owners surveyed said they blow dry their pet's hair after a bath.

18. When a pet dies, 58% of pet owners bury the pet on their property.

19. Almost half of the pet owners surveyed admit they sometimes talk to their pet. And 80% of those people stated that on those occasions, the animal seemed to respond by means of sounds, facial expressions or body language.

(The above survey was extracted from the American Humane Association.)

It is good that this trend is gradually catching up in Malaysia. However, about 80 % of pet owners still feed their pets table scraps eg. leftovers, bones, and even raw meat! Feeding unbalanced food is detrimental to a pet's health as even pets need vitamins and minerals to stay healthy.

Many pet owners here are still unaware of the health related issues and preventive care programs such as vaccinations and annual check ups for their pets. All those who have acquired a new puppy or kitten should take their pet for an examination to the nearest veterinary clinic to ensure the health and safety of the pet.

We hope people's attitude will change and pets are looked after with as much love and care as possible. After all, for all the love they shower upon us, they certainly deserve much more.

Let us all work towards a more responsible and animal loving society for the benefit of all our feline and canine companions who share our world.

Abah says:

Believe me, animals make better children than real kids hehehehe, only if you understand that they are just animals and lower your expectations on their achievements. Even so, they can be trained like my cute little paws and they will surely make you a happier person.

Cat Litter Tips

Got these useful Cat Litter Tips from Petscorner. Thought of sharing with you guys:

1. Do not place the cat litterbox in a busy spot in your house. Indeed, your cat values its privacy highly.
2. Do not place the cat litter box close to their food dish and water bowl. Indeed, a cat is a very hygienic animal and might stop using the litter box.
3. Clean the litter box regularly. The smell which clings to the litter box itself will thus be removed. The litter box will smell fresh longer.
4. If you have more than one cat in the house, it is preferable to give each cat its own litter box. In any case make sure that no more than two cats have to use the same cat litter box.
5. Why not try a clumping variety of cat litter? The smell absorption is excellent and you need less.
6. Some cats prefer a fine variety of cat litter, whereas others rather have coarse granules. Try out what kind of granules your cat prefers.
7. If you decide to start using another variety of cat litter, mix the new and the old granules the first few times. In this way it is easier for the cat to get used to a new variety of cat litter.
8. Cat litter is often multi-purpose. For example it can be used as a bottom layer in cages for birds and rodents, at the bottom of flower pots, for oil-absorption, in the dustbin for smell absorption or in the garden for soil improvement. Read the instructions on the packaging to find out.

Our bit of Cat Litter experience.

The best cat litter so far is the Fussie Cat lemon scented litters. We have tried several clumping brands and found this particular brand very economical (especially when you buy 10 packs you'll get to redeem a pack of the same size for free) and the odor control excellent. The litter leaves very little traces and of course, whenever and wherever you use clumping litters, make sure the surrounding areas are dry. Always make sure the litter boxes are clean at all times and ensure only 2 cats share a litter box at most.

Toilet Training Your Loved Ones

Of all the kitties, Constantine is the easiest to toilet train.. err litter train. Hehehehe. It was just putting the litter box in his cage (he has to be caged for now until he's big enough to walk freely around the house without exposing himself to potential dangers), he pooed on the towel we left for him in the cage once... I scooped it into the litter box and wah la he's automatically toilet trained after that.

For the rest of our babies, it didn't take much effort either but it was really a task for Napoleon - well we couldn't blame him as he was an outdoor cat before, so when he got to his new home, he liked to poo under the side table near the sofa - for about 2 weeks we suffered the misery of poo smell and having to scrub clean the spot and thank goodness he's well behaved thereafter. I did not follow any of the methods mentioned below but I guess it could help those who are planning to train their adorable kitties to use the litter box for the first time. It is especially true that cats love their litter boxes clean. Just like us humans, we always choose a clean toilet to do our stuff, so do they. I remember once, with 4 cats in the house (Isabelle, Hercules, Gabby and Alexander) we had 2 litter boxes for them; 1 box per 2 cats) all was fine until we brought Victoria home from the SPCA. Gabby began frantically urinating near the front door - we thought she was protesting for bringing another kitty home but eventually we learn that 2 litter boxes aren't enough for a household with 5 cats. So we bought another box and things were fine again. Looks like we have to get another one for when Constantine grows up later!

Read on for tips on how to train your little ones to use the litter box.

If cats are so independent and resistant to training, how do they ever learn to use a litter box? In fact, no matter what your rug would tell you, your cats are naturally inclined to use litter boxes. All it takes is a little bit of training and a regular cleaning schedule, and your cat will be a litter box champ. First, a little background: Your cat's instincts will help the training process. Although they may seem willing to relieve themselves anywhere, cats have strong preferences that favor a well-maintained litter box. First, cats want to find a loose, soil-like surface on which to relieve themselves. Second, they prefer to relieve themselves in a clean spot. A cat's preference for soil-like surface makes the litter box more attractive than a rug or a sofa (so far, so good), but large planters, sandboxes and other spots can give your litter box competition. Especially when you are training your cat, try to block access to surfaces that might compete with the kitty litter for your cat's attention. Even if your litter box provides the only soil-like surface in the house, your favorite rug may become a kitty latrine if the kitty litter and the litter box are not cleaned regularly. Kitty litter should be cleaned every day. And the box should be cleaned at least once a week to remove offensive odors. When cleaning the box, you can use water with a bit of lemon juice or bleach to carry away smells. Note: Most experts recommend that your house have at least one litter box per cat, so that each cat will almost always have a clean spot to go in. Your cat will prefer that the litter box be far from his bed. If the two are too close, your rugs are in jeopardy again. Now, on to the training: Since your cat should naturally gravitate to the litter box, your training objective is really just a matter of helping your cat to discover the box. Start by getting to know your cat's elimination schedule. He probably relieves himself after waking, after eating and after exercise. Mealtimes are the easiest for you to track, so after feeding him either lead him to the litter box, or pick him up and place him in it. When he is in the box, stroke and praise your cat so that he will remember the litter box as a clean, happy place. If your cat does not relieve himself in 10 minutes, wait another half hour or so and repeat this exercise. Be sure to praise him when he relieves himself in the box. It may take a while for your cat to use the litter box reliably, so keep the training going for a week. Remember to keep praising, keep cleaning and have a little patience with the learning process.

Source: www.dailypaws.com

Kitty's vs Human's Age

Kitty's Age	Human's Age
6 months	10 years
8 months	13 years
1 year	15 years
2 years	24 years
4 years	32 years
6 years	40 years
8 years	48 years
10 years	56 years
12 years	64 years
14 years	72 years
16 years	80 years
18 years	88 years
20 years	96 years
21 years	100 years
22 years	104 years

So if this is the case.. here are estimation of my children's human age.

1. Isabelle - 32 years old - gasp - she's my age!

2. Gabrielle - 27 years old

3. Victoria II - 27 years old

4. Hercules - 17 years old

5. Alexander - 15 years old

6. Napoleon - 14 years old

7. The late Sidney would be 24 this year

8. The late Troy would be 19 this year

Additional fact: In a lifetime, the average cat sheds 14.95 lbs. of fur.

Source: http://www.delmars.com

How to Give your Cat a Massage.

CAT MASSAGE is good therapy for both of you - you and your cat will find it soothing. Touching your cat also brings you both closer together. Touching brings down the blood pressure and increases circulation. Massaging is also a good way to find any skin or hair problems, or even a lump while it is still very small and fixable. And, by the time you are through with the free instructions below, you can make any cat a friend for life!


To give a cat a massage:

• Scratch behind his ear and you will have his undivided attention.
• Rub the entire ear - even a little stroking on the inside of the tip.
• Scratch the top of this head (between his ears).
• Go on to his other ear.
• Scratch the side of his face, below his whiskers.
• Scratch under his chin.
• Scratch the other side of his face.
• (Even a cat you just met is now melting under your touch!)
• Scratch his ears again, just a little.
• Scratch the top of his head.
• In a continuous and fluid motion, stroke from the top of his head
• down his entire back.
• Stroke down his back only - several times - with your hand wide open to span
• across his entire back.
• Stroke down his entire back and down the top of his tail - several times.
• Stroke his entire tail (with your hand all the way around it) several times.
• He is butter in your hands!
• If he lays down, offering himself to you completely, take one leg at a time and stroke it from shoulder to paw. Stroke each leg several times.
• Stroke anywhere else he will allow except his tummy, as this is usually seen as an invitation to play (undoing the calming effect of the massage).

You have made a friend for life!

6 Ways to Read your Cat's Mind

The Eyes Have It

Look into your cat's eyes and you can tell a lot about his state of mind. The direction of your cat's gaze will direct you to the subject of his attention. But gazes vary. Some are intense and focused while others are haphazard. When your cat stares without blinking, does he want something from you or is he feeling hostility? Either could be true. Although a fixed gaze and rigid body posture might mean hostility, the same look might be soliciting petting or some other form of attention in a relaxed, purring cat.

Another fairly definite eye sign relates to pupil size. If your cat's pupils are constricted and slit-like, his mood is probably ambient, bordering on vegetative. Or perhaps it's predatory. However, if your cat's pupils become fully dilated in broad daylight, appearing as large black pools, he's either in pain or ready to fight or run away. Increased pupil size is not intended to intimidate other cats or people but rather to allow more light into the eyes. Cats' pupils are always large at night but veterinarians learn very quickly to beware when a cat's pupils are fully dilated in a brightly lit examination room.

The degree of opening of the eyelids can tell a tale, too. Wide-open eyes correlate with alertness and increased levels of mental activity – ready for action, if you will. Semi-closed or fluttering eyes mean that the cat is in a more dozy, complacent mood or may be in the mood for a nap. So if your cat's eyelids flutter and periodically close while he is looking at you, it is a sign of faith or trust. Even if he is on the brink of falling asleep at the time, squinting at you is still a compliment because your pet is showing that he is comfortable and trusting enough to take a nap in your presence.


The Ears Have It, Too

A cat's ears can adopt several different positions and for several different reasons:

# Ears erect and forward – alert, with attention focused ahead
# Ears swiveled sideways like a swing-wing fighter – on the offensive
# Ears pressed backward onto the head giving the appearance of a snake – extreme defense (ears folded back to protect them from harm)
# One ear forward and one back – ambivalence
# Ears rotating like radar dishes – listening carefully in an attempt to find the source of the sound.

Mouth

Your cat normally keeps his mouth closed. This tells us very little about a cat's motivation. When the mouth is open, however, you can sometimes learn about your cat's motivation.

# The gape. Your cat gets a far-away look, allows the bottom jaw to drop, and looks as if it's grimacing in pain. What he's actually doing is savoring certain pheromonal odors on the breeze.

# Open mouth with lips retracted. Your cat stares, bears his teeth and hisses. This indicates intimidation and aggression.

# The yawn. Yawning indicates stress, ambivalence, or sometimes preparedness for action.


Head and Body Position

A cat on the offensive often walks directly toward the subject of his angst with his head held low and moving slowly from side to side, with his eyes fixed on the target. When in this mode, your cat will swivel his ears sideways and his body will appear wedge-shaped as his rear legs stiffen. Watch out for this cat: He means business.

When your cat is on the defensive, he will hunker down while backing up and lean away from the threat. His head is sometimes deflected to one side giving the appearance of a sideways glance and he will vocalize (hiss, growl or shriek). Other signs of defensive aggression include extension of claws in readiness for a fight, and piloerection (hair raised) - making him appear larger and thus more fearsome. A cat in this posture is less likely to attack than retreat – because he is afraid.


Tell-Tail Signs

Tail position and movement offers insight into your cat's psyche. Basically a cat's tail can be up, down, or sideways; it can be curved or straight; and it can be still or moving. Here's how to interpret the various positions and movements of the tail:

# Tail tucked – fearful, defensive
# Tail held at half-mast and moving slowly from side to side – indicates mild interest
# Tail vertical or straight up – indicates anticipation and/or greeting
# Tail vertical but curved to one side – indicates playfulness
# Tail curved over the cat's back – indicates expectation/monitoring
# Tail held completely to one side in a female – indicates sexual receptivity
# Tail held low with tip twitching – indicates a stalking, predatory stance
# Tail frantically switching in wide arcs – indicates heightened affect/aggression
# Tail puffed up (piloerect) – indicates fear and aggression


Marking Signs

# Bunting. Your cat may rub or push his face against objects with his forehead, cheeks or chin. What your cat is doing is marking them with subtle biological scents. Some say that a cat's rubbing with the forehead or cheeks indicates affection, but rubbing with the chin is usually reserved for territorial marking.

# Furniture scratching. Contrary to popular belief, furniture scratching is not the cat's way of sharpening his claws but is a form of visual and scent marking. Your cat's paws are equipped with scent glands to facilitate this function. Territorial concerns will increase furniture scratching/marking and should be addressed if furniture scratching becomes a problem.

# Marking objects with urine or feces. This is an even more distasteful form of marking behavior to most cat owners. The function is similar to furniture marking signifying an olfactory warning.

# Anal sac secretions. Your cat may sometimes discharge his anal sac when in situations of extreme fear. Anal sac secretions are thought to contain a fear pheromone that serves to remind the cat not to pass that way again.

There are benefits to caring cat owners in obtaining glimpses into the mind of their pet because it enhances their bond with their cat and facilitates communication. So, next time you are alone with your cat and don't have anything to do, try reading your cat's mind. You'll probably learn something you didn't know before and have a greater understanding because of it.

(c) www.petplace.com