QuickTips Index

Cats' Urine pH Factor
It has become widely acknowledged that a cat's urine pH can be directly related to the health of its urinary tract. Is your cat in danger of developing crystals in his urinary tract? How does his diet affect his urine pH? Here is help in removing the mystery of the desired range of feline urine pH, and how these numbers can correlate to a cat's urinary tract health.

Have a Happy Cat-Safe Easter
The Easter holiday represents a time of joyous celebration. However, no one wants to interrupt it with a trip to a veterinary E/R. Let common sense prevail, and avoid giving cats access to food or other hazardous materials which may sicken or injure them. Listed here are some of the most common potential harmful things found specific to Easter.

Shyness and Fear in Cats
Is your kitty a "scaredy-cat?" Shyness and fear stem from a number of causes, but can be overcome with gentleness and patience, as these tips explain. Is your cat trying to tell you something? The optimum word here is patience. You must allow your cat to set the pace, otherwise he or she may change from "flight" to "fight." Remember always that there are no "bad" cats, only uninformed cat caregivers.

Cat Behavior 101
Behavioral problems in cats, such as avoiding the litterbox, excessive meowing and other attention-seeking behavior, biting and painful or destructive scratching can be corrected by first eliminating physical causes, then instituting a program of gradual retraining, with the help of these resources. Remember that there are no bad cats, only uninformed cat caregivers.

Destructive Scratching by Cats
Destructive and painful scratching is a source of disruption in many households occupied by cats. It is probably the #1 reason cats are either declawed, abandoned or surrendered to shelters. The good news is that you can prevent illegal scratching with the combined resources offered here.

Are Common Antibacterial Products Harming Your Cat?
The news is slowly going around that antibacterial soaps and "waterless" hand cleaners containing triclosan may be harmful to cats if ingested. A friend had received a newsletter from an animal shelter in Ohio, which said in part: "Warning: Cats Sensitive to Antibacterial Soaps!" Read my research and conclusion about the potential harm to cats from triclosan.

Bringing Home a Shelter Cat
So you've decided to open your home to a shelter cat. It will be helpful to know what to expect when you bring him home. There will be a number of things to watch for, both physical and behavioral. The cat who seemed affectionate while in a cage may suddenly become shy, withdrawn, or even aggressive. Careful pre-planning will help avoid many inherent problems

Urine Spraying Success Story
One of the most cited reasons for surrendering cats to shelters is urine spraying or litter box avoidance. This cat was abandoned by its owners when my reader stepped in and gave her a home. Despite the evidence that the cat had a real problem, her new caregiver never gave up. Now Jackie's urine spraying is a thing of the past.

"R" is for Respect
When we take on the care of a cat, we assume responsibility for his well-being, health, and happiness. Part of that responsibility includes Respect. Cats are not dogs; they are not miniature furred people, and no two cats are ever alike. We need to respect those differences and honor cats for being their own unique selves.

Do Cats Cry Real Tears?
When I posted a FAQ titled 'Do Cats Cry Real Tears?' my readers rushed to an opposite viewpoint. Although strictly anecdotal, some of their stories about seeing cats cry from apparent pain and/or sadness are very poignant.

Cats Integration Success Story
Integrating a new cat into a household with existing cats often takes time and patience. This cat lover proved that even in the most hopeless situations, cats can eventually become friends. Sometimes it will happen in the most unlikely situation, such as a move to a new home.

Jill Cordes' Biography
Short biography of Jill Cordes,

Jill Cordes's Tips for Becoming a Greener Cat Owner
Jill Cordes writes a guest article for About.com Cats revealing Tips for Becoming a Greener Cat Owner.

Marta Kaspar
Guest Author's Profile: Marta Kaspar, founder of Alternative Nutrition LLC

Kymythy R. Schultze, CN
Short profile of author Kymythy R. Schultze, author of many books on feeding dogs and cats.

Substances Unsafe for Cats
This is by no means a list of everything on the planet that's bad for cats. But it's a few of the things that should be avoided by themselves or as an ingredient in something else. Use caution with cats by avoiding these unsafe substances.

Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Cat
While we all know a number of valid reasons why adopting shelter cats does a huge service to cats, have you ever considered the benefits humans derive from adopting a cat from a shelter? A cat named Wellington shares this information from the viewpoint of a cat.

Your Cat's Nutritional Requirements - The Basics
Your Cat's Nutritional Requirements: The Basics, guest article by author Kymythy Schultze, CN for About.com Cats.

Cat Health FAQs
Many specific questions about the health of cats can only be answered by a veterinarian after a thorough examination of the cat. However I can sometimes respond to more general questions. Read my replies to some of the frequently asked questions I receive about cats.

Clean Green Homemade Roach Trap
Try this recipe for a DIY roach trap. It is safe only if you keep it out of reach of your cats, as borax can be toxic to cats if ingested in quantity.

Kitten Food 101
Kittens are not just miniature cats. Kittens' growth and development need extra protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to get the right start in life. The extra protein is needed for growth and development of strong muscles and supporting tissue; fat is essential for fatty acids, as a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins, and for the additional calories for energy. As a rule, only foods specifically formulated to meet kittens' needs should be fed to kittens.

Help for Giving Nasty-Tasting Pills to Cats
Follow the advice in this tip for helping to get your cat to willingly swallow nasty tasting pills.

Make Drinking Water More Interesting to Cats
Here's a quick tip for stimulating your cat's interest in drinking water during hot summer months.

Dispensing Multiple Pills to Cats Who Don't Like Pilling
Quick tip for dispensing multiple small pills to cats who don't like to take pills.

Ways to Remove Cat Hair from Furniture
Quick and inexpensive tips for cat hair removal from furniture.