What the historians are unable to do is pinpoint or describe the details of how and when the first cat was domesticated. What is known, however, is that domesticated cats have existed for more than five thousand years now. The modern domestic cat is either a direct descendant or a subspecies of the African Wildcat and this is according to biologists. This is a reason for why the domestic cat belongs to the genus Felis. The domestic cats first appeared in ancient Egypt and this was indicated in some artifacts. These cats have now occupied all continents, Asia, Europe, and America, except for Antarctica. And they have evolved into over fifty different breeds.

Being one of the most popular pets in the world, cats are certainly not listed as endangered species. Female cats are also known to produce an average of three kittens about twice a year. In other words, their world population will not be affected by the spaying and neutering of cats.

There are benefits in having a spayed and neutered cat and this is especially true when it comes to the owner's house. If cats are not altered, especially the female ones, then they may just spray their urine in areas that they consider their territory. All owners of cats are too familiar with the obnoxious smell of the urine. The smell can never be entirely removed, especially from carpets, beddings, upholstery, and even furniture made of wood regardless of how much cleaning you do. When cats are neutered, their urine is less smelly and these cats may not even consider marking many territories in the house.

A female cat in heat will howl terrible noises at inappropriate hours, like midnight or dawn when she is not neutered. The result is that male cats will eagerly answer the noises and howl outside your door. You will certainly lose your sleep. Your neighbors may end up being unhappy about all the racket as well. These cats, being in heat, will forget whatever toilet training you may have taught it and will be restless. Such condition can occur three or more times a year and can even last up to three weeks.

When cats are not neutered, they would choose to roam far away from your house. You will end up worrying a lot. But then again, you have reason to be worried. What your cat will be facing are cat fights and fast-moving cars. Dogs tend to run away when in danger. But cats stay frozen in its place. Now you know why cats are run over by vehicles.

But for neutered cats, they will always stay in your house. Aside from being more content, they will also be less restless. They will also have longer life spans.

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If your cat is not using his litter box, he is trying to tell you that something is wrong. It's up to us as our pet's caretaker to determine what the problem is and fix it! To do that, let's have a look at a number of the common reasons cats stop using their litter boxes.

Dirty Litter Box. Indoor cats are fastidious when it comes to having a clean litter box to use. If you have not been vigilant about keeping your cat's litter box nice and clean, then you can definitely expect elimination problems from your cat. After all, we've probably all opted on at least one occasion to relieve ourselves in the great outdoors rather than using a grubby outhouse or a service station bathroom. It's just the same for your cat.

If the box is dirty, then you'll need to thoroughly clean it as well as the area around it. Dispose of all the used litter, wash the litter box using a cleaning solution like diluted bleach, and refill it with fresh cat litter. Use Nature's Miracle, a product that kills odors, to decontaminate the area surrounding the cat litter box, to include wall surfaces. A black light will show you where the stains are. Clean or replace any cat litter box mats or rugs you keep outside the box.

Scoop a minimum of once or twice daily, and completely replace the cat litter – taking care to clean the box – at least once every month.

Health issues. Indoor cats are inclined to develop kidney and urinary tract infections. These conditions are usually painful for cats and can cause them to eliminate outside the litter box. It's difficult to tell when a cat is suffering because cats are good at hiding their symptoms. That said, if you think your cat could be ill, please seek immediate attention from your veterinarian! As with humans, the longer a health issue goes undetected and untreated, the more difficult it gets to cure.

A good way to help prevent your cat from developing urinary health problems is to ensure that your cat gets enough water everyday. Feeding your cat a diet of quality canned food with good water content and providing your cat with a fountain are a couple of the best approaches to be certain your cat's fluid intake is sufficient on an regular basis.

Location: Cats need tranquility when they use their litter boxes. Maybe the cat litter box is alongside an appliance which makes intermittent noises, or perhaps your cat has to walk past the grumpy family dog. Look at this from your cat's perspective, and then try to find a better location. Make certain your cat has free entry to the area all the time (i.e., if it's in the basement, make sure the basement door is constantly open). Also, make sure the cat litter box is nowhere near your cat's eating area.

Type of Litter and/or Cat Litter Box: If you're using scented cat litter, immediately switch to unscented cat litter. Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat is a top choice, and so is ScoopAway's unscented clumping litter. There are also other sorts of litter on the market, including corn or pine based cat litters. Many cats just "don't dig" these other kinds of litter so if in doubt, stick with clay.

Enclosed cat litter boxes retain odors and dust, which can create respiratory troubles; undersized litter boxes are tough for cats to use; and automated litter boxes can malfunction and startle your cat. If any of these applies to your situation, switch to a roomier, uncovered litter box.

Going Forward. Since everyone knows that bad habits are hard to break, it's far better to prevent them from developing in the first place. Here are seven things you can do to avoid future litter box problems: 1) Keep the box clean. 2) Set up an extra box. The recommended number is one box per cat plus one. 3) To help prevent urinary illnesses, make certain your cat gets enough water by feeding wet food and providing a water fountain. Get your cat regular check-ups with your veterinarian. 4) Use unscented cat litter. 5) Use a large, uncovered litter box. 6) Choose a quiet spot for the litter box that is nowhere near your cat's eating area. 7) Praise your indoor cats for using the box! Develop a code word, for example "litter box" and use it with your cat as you praise him. Then you can remind him to use the box if issues do arise in the future.

Make sure you're using the right litter and litter box for your indoor cats! Learn all you can about indoor cats today!

If your cat is not using his litter box, he is trying to tell you that something is wrong. It's up to us as our pet's caretakers to figure out what the problem is and then fix it! Let's look into some of the common reasons cats stop using their litter boxes.

Dirty Cat Litter Box. Indoor cats are extremely particular with regard to having a clean litter box. If you've not been on the ball about keeping your cat's litter box fresh and clean, then you can definitely expect elimination problems from your cat. After all, we've probably all opted at some time to go in the great outdoors as opposed to using a dirty outhouse or a service station bathroom. It's the same for your cat.

If the box is dirty, then you'll need to thoroughly clean it and the area around it. Throw out all the used litter, wash the box with a cleaning solution such as diluted bleach, and refill it with fresh cat litter. Use Nature's Miracle, a cleaning product that kills odors, to wash the area around the box, to include the walls. A black light will show you where the stains are. Clean and/or replace any litter box rugs or mats you keep outside the box.

Scoop out the litter frequently, at least one or two times per day. Completely replace the cat litter, taking good care to wash the box, each month.

Illness. Indoor cats frequently develop kidney and urinary tract infections. These can be painful and lead them to go outside the cat litter box. It's difficult to recognize if a cat is sick because cats are good at hiding their symptoms. So if you in the very least bit suspect your cat may be ill, please seek immediate attention from your veterinarian! Similar to humans, the longer an issue goes undetected and untreated, the more difficult it will become to treat.

A good way to help keep your cat from developing urinary health problems is to make certain your cat gets an ample amount of water on a consistent basis. Feeding your cat a diet of canned food with high water content and providing your cat with a fountain are a couple of the best approaches to be sure your cat's water intake is sufficient on an continuing basis.

Location: Cats need tranquility while they use their litter boxes. Maybe the litter box is next to an appliance which makes intermittent sounds, or maybe your cat needs to walk past an ornery dog. Consider this from your cat's perspective so you can choose a better location. Make sure your cat has free entry to the location at all times (i.e., if it's in the basement, be sure that the basement door is constantly open). Also, be certain the litter box is not close too your cat's eating area.

Types of Litter and/or Litter Box: If you are using scented cat litter, switch immediately to unscented cat litter. Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat is an excellent choice, and so is ScoopAway's unscented clumping cat litter. There are other types of litter out there, including corn or pine based cat litters. Many cats do not like these other types of litter. If uncertain, go with clay.

Enclosed cat litter boxes trap odors and dust, which can bring about respiratory problems; boxes that aren't big enough are hard for cats to use; and automated boxes can malfunction and startle your cat. If any of these scenarios fit your situation, change to a roomier, uncovered litter box.

Going Forward Since everyone understands that bad habits are hard to break, a defensive approach to creating good litter box habits is the way to go. Here are seven things you can do to prevent future cat litter box problems: 1) Always keep the box fresh and clean. 2) Buy an extra litter box. 3) To help prevent urinary illnesses, ensure that your cat drinks enough water by feeding canned food and supplying a fountain. Get your cat regular health check-ups. 4) Use unscented litter. 5) Switch to a large, open litter box. 6) Look for a quiet spot for the cat litter box far away from your cat's eating area. 7) Praise your indoor cats for using the box! Develop a code word, like "litterbox" and use it with your cat as you praise him so he learns what that means. Then you can remind him if troubles do arise later on.

Find all the information you need about indoor cats? Click here to learn all you need to know about indoor cats.

The truth is, making sure that your pet's needs are met is mostly up to you.

Keep reading to learn the 6 easy steps to help you make sure your pet has a better life.

Make sure your pet has an ID tag. The ID tag tells of any medical conditions your pet may have and where your pet lives. Should your pet wander off, the ID tag is the only thing standing between your pet and the pound.

Behavioral problems can be prevented if you enroll your pet in a behavioral training class if it acquires any bad habits. This tip will make both you and your pet happier for the entire lifetime you are together!

Getting your pet a check up from a vet at least once a year is another idea. There are behavioral problems that can be health related so to help you with tip #2, take your pet to the vet on a regular basis.

Make sure to prepare for disasters. Your pet cannot read the escape plan you have made for your family in case of a flood, fire, or other disaster! Your escape plans should include someone in your family having the job of securing or gathering up and removing your pet or pets from your home and taking them to a safe place.

Planning for the future. Who will take care of your pet if something happens to you? Make sure you have a "godparent" for all of your pets. Short term care will be included in this as well if ever you are in the hospital, incapacitated, or out of town.

In order to avoid dog bites, you should train your dog and your family. This is especially important for children. About 4.7 million children are bitten by dogs every year. What's worse is that 80% are by dogs they know and have been in daily contact with.

By following these six simple steps, you and your pets will be happy for a very long time.

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The cat door will provide the cat with unrestricted movement and access to places it desires to go. This will make its love more enjoyable. It will not be restricted to come in or go out at whatever point. If it prefers being out, it becomes very easy and in case the outside becomes cold, it can always come in for warmth, love and feeding.

Having a cat door will also be beneficial for you. Never again will be bothered with allowing it in. It will help itself. This will also bring an end to the noise that comes from in or outside the house.

A cat door will protect your cat from bad people and animals. With it, the cat is in position to be independent. With a cat door fixed on your house, you close all the chances for stubborn dogs bothering your cat. They will even have no gap for fumbling with the cat's litter box.

The ordinary cat door contains plastic which is adjusted by the force applied by the cat while leaving or coming in. After exit or entrance, the flap will automatically lock by the magnet though loosely in order to minimize heat.

What process is involved in setting up a cat door? You can explore quite a number of methods. As for me, I used the sliding door which is located next to my garden. By just putting the panel at the end of the slider, I am able to fix the cat door in my sliding door.

Alternatively, you can apply a full screen door which you can install on the main door as long as it contains an open flap. If you cannot do it for your self, employ an person who is able to do it for you. This is an easy task.

With a cat door on your home, you make it easy for even other animals like Possums, raccoons, and even wild cats to penetrate your home. One has to be informed about this.

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A licensed veterinarian performs the surgery under general anesthesia to ensure that the cat suffers minimal pain and discomfort. Spayed females and neutered males are able to recover quickly after the operation and resume normal activities within a day or two. Your vet will inform you regarding the best recovery care for your cat and ask you to return after about two weeks so that he can remove the stitches.

Male felines create hormones that make them do not so wanted behaviors, but by being neutered, this hormone is not produced. Males mark their territories, inside and outside, by spraying urine. After this surgery, they do not have the urge to do this as much because the gonads are not there anymore to be the source of it.

A sterilized cat has less chance of being injured. Once he is neutered his system will not produce sperm. This will stop his sexual desires and need to roam long distances in search of an eligible female partner. He can easily get hurt while wandering. A car may hit him, another animal may attack him or he may wander too far and get lost.

Male cats can become very offensive in order to retain their supremacy in the area. They often enter into fights to keep their territorial dominance and to win over females. Removal of testes makes them less aggressive and hence chances of getting injured are less. Thus, cost of veterinary treatment is lessened. There is no negative effect of sterilization on the hunting abilities or innocent behavior. As a matter of fact, they become lovelier after this operation.

Unsolicited increase in population can be avoided with castration. Only a limited number of those millions born every year are fortunate enough to be adopted. Others are either killed or left to find their own sustenance and they fall prey to starvation or illness. Wild living always invites diseases and they in turn infect others as well.

Not being able to reproduce can be a downside though because some people like breeding felines. Neutering cats generally gives them a longer life that is healthier and it also prevents overpopulation of the animals.

Neutering cats is urged for the benefit of the population of feline pets that are abandoned. You can take advantage of low cost cat neutering services provided by vets or other organizations.

Cat vaccinations are the most effective methods of preventing a disease. This also stops the cat from ever turning into a carrier. Some of the common vaccinations given are for cat flu, feline leukemia or FeLV, Feline Chlamydophilosis and Feline Infectious Enteritis or FIE.

If the cat has a vaccination, take note that they may experience some side effects. This goes away shortly even if they develop flu like conditions or fatigue in the week. In rare cases, the cat may develop cancer where the injection was inserted that may grow in weeks, months or even years.

Cats just like humans experience allergies. This may originate from pollen, dust, disinfectants and others. If you notice your cat experiencing any symptoms, you ought to quit using such products, keep them far from plants and be certain that your home is clean.

One other issue that your cat may confront is fleas and ticks. You will be aware they are there if they scratch more frequently than usual. You should check around the neck to see if there are any black dots using a special flea comb to look deeper into the fur.

Therapy for fleas and ticks is performed by applying a small amount of liquid onto the back of their necks once a month. As for those that are currently present, you can pick them out one by one by making use of a pair of tweezers or putting Vaseline over the affected area. Always wear rubber gloves while you are doing this so the bacterium doesn't transfer to your fingers.

Contrary to fleas and ticks that you can view, cat worms are inside their intestinal system. There are three of them namely hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms. If not treated, they will have an irritated stomach that occasionally can be lethal.

The best way to prevent this from occurring is to give them worming tablets annually. But if it is already there, then you must get a prescribed medication from your veterinarian. Another choice is to use a tick eliminator spray that is obtainable in pet stores. You will observe a wound when the tick or flea is taken off. This should be cared for by washing the area with salt water afterwards so no infection occurs.

Cats can cause harm and injure people. You can keep this from happening by giving them a scratch pad to play with and trimming their claws on a regular basis.

Have you ever heard the phrase curiosity killed the cat? Well this also happens if they wander freely around your house. To prevent this from taking place, ensure all cabinets are closed, the windows are shut, medicine and rat poison are hidden. You must never give them chocolate as a treat as this can be deadly.

Proper cat care is the most effective means of keeping them strong. Research indicates that cats that are kept in the house and adored by their owners live 5 times longer than those you see on the street. Because you decided to own one, you should appreciate it.

Want to find out more about cat care, then visit Cat Training News on how to choose the best cat treatment and health for your needs.