Peppers Cat Picks.

Why spay or neuter?

There really isn't a good reason not to have your pet spayed or neutered as they make better companions and live longer and healthier lives. The benefits of spaying or neutering, especially if done during the first year, include:

reduced aggression and dominance

reduced desire to roam

decreased risk of several types of cancer

less embarrassing behaviour by male dogs

no bloody stains from females in heat

no unwanted suitors of the opposite sex

less chance of spraying by male cats

no unplanned and costly puppies or kittens to care for

even if you are able to find homes for the puppies or kittens your pet produces, you are taking homes away from the thousands of unwanted animals already at humane societies/SPCAs

Some cats start spraying in the house. You will want to first rule out any medical causes, such as FUS or cystitis. Sometimes it is useful to distinguish between spraying (which winds up on walls) and urinating (which is generally on the floor). Spraying is more often a behavior problem and urination is more often a medical problem. It is best to check with a vet first. If the problem is medical, then you will need to simply clean up the odor after the problem is treated, otherwise you will need to try some of the behavior modification outlined below (and you'll still need to clean up the odor).

You must remove the odor from items that the cat sprayed on to prevent the cat from using the same spot again later. The ammonia smell tells the cat that this is an elimination spot, so never use ammonia to try and "remove" the odor! See (Removing Urine Odor).

Cats sometimes spray to mark their territory so sometimes an area for your cat that other animals cannot go to will help. Keeping the litter box immaculate will help in other cases.

Sometimes cats pick small throw rugs with non-skid backing to urinate on. This is caused by an odor from the backing that somehow tells the cat to urinate there (probably an ammonia-like smell). Cat-repellent sprays or washing the rug may help; you might just have to get rid of that rug.

Coat and Skin Care

By following basic guidelines, you can easily care for your cat's coat and skin. Certain general principles apply to the care of all cats.

1. The coat and skin reflect your cat's general health. A healthy cat has far fewer skin and coat problems.

2. Parasites, such as fleas and intestinal worms, affect the skin and coat. Follow the doctor's suggestions for parasite control.

3. Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy skin and coat. Discuss your cat's diet with the doctor.

4. Routine grooming not only prevents skin and/or coat problems, but also enables you to detect problems before they become extensive.

5. Most cats seldom require bathing. If bathing is necessary, use a mild shampoo, rinse well and dry quickly with towels and a hair dryer.

Sixteen Reasons to Keep Cats Indoors

1. Cats are less likely to be hit by a car when crossing the living room than when crossing the street.

2. They are less apt to have fleas, fungus, or rabies than free-roaming animals are.

3. They are less likely to bite than free-roaming animals are.

4. There is less chance of getting caught in a steel-jaw, leg hold trap.

5. When it's ten o'clock at night, their owners will always know where they are.

6. Birds will like them better.

7. Crotchety neighbors will like them better.

8. They will never come home looking like something the cat dragged in.

9. It will be more difficult for people to steal them.

10. They will not get shot at as often.

11. They will not disappear as often.

12. Their owners will never have to bail them out of the local pound.

13. They sleep most of the time anyway.

14. Their owners will not have to go calling all over the neighborhood for them when it's time for dinner.

15. Their owners will not find as many dead, dying, or dismembered small animals on the doorstep.

16. They will live longer, happier lives, and so will their owners.

PetFoodDirect.com has tons of informative areas, including their "Ask the Vet" feature and their section on Pet Care Services