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Cat Care

Want to learn more about cat care and feeding? Cat care is a complex subject. From taming a feral kitten to nurturing an older cat, cat care runs the gamut. From cat food to scratching posts, from claw trimming to litterbox training, these articles and features offer all the information you need for responsible cat care.

Cat-Friendly New Year Resolutions for 2012
The start of a new year is traditionally the time to make resolutions for improvement. These are my resolutions for helping to make 2012 a better year for both my own cats and for the welfare of all cats.

Top 10 Things Cats Like
Cats are aware of their likes and dislikes, and will readily let you know when they are happy or not. Learn more about the things cats like the most, and how you can help them stay happy.

2012 New Year Resolutions for the Cats of the World
In addition to my 2012 resolutions for the care of my own cats, I've have a different set of goals in mind for helping the cats of the world live in a better place.

Readers' Choice Awards Nominations 2012 are Now Closed
In 2012 the About.com Cats site is sponsoring Readers' Choice Awards nominations in Cats categories. You may nominate up to five of your favorites in each of seven categories, and play a role in helping to select the best of the best.

Index to About.com Cats Email Courses
Cat lovers who don't have time to search out specific information can save valuable time by enrolling in one or all of these six Email courses by Franny Syufy, the Cats Guide at About.com.

Why Cats Groom Themselves So Often
Cats are famous for their cleanliness. They not only groom themselves constantly with their barbed tongues, but they engage in mutual grooming with other cats, and even groom their humans. It has been theorized that cats, like humans, may have sterile saliva.

How Old is My Cat?
The fact that cats develop and age so rapidly in a short time is both fascinating and sad to the people who love them. Kittens develop to the age of a 15 year old human child in just the first year of their lives. An adult cat in the prime of his life at 32 human years is only four years old. Shocking, isn't it?

The reality is that even relatively long-lived cats don't live as long as we'd lik…

Cat Care for Physically Challenged Owners

Free Email Classes on Cat Care
New to cats, or thinking about getting a kitten? Concerned about the health of your senior cat, or the quality of food your furkids are eating? These free tutorials will help you give your cats the very best of care, and you can set your own pace.

Checklist of Information for Your Cat Sitter
Cats are usually happier in their own homes when their human companions have to leave for a few days, with a trusted friend or professional pet sitter to check in on them at least daily during your absence. It s important to make sure the surrogate caregiver knows exactly what to do for your cat, both in terms of routine care and in case of a...

Dumbest Mistakes With a Cat
We humans are prone to making mistakes and there isn't a cat alive who won't take advantage of that propensity. One of my dumbest mistakes was when Jenny kept finding my hiding places for da Bird cat wand, even on top of a 5' dresser. She pulled down the wand along with jewelry and perfume bottles. Here is your chance to share your own "dumb mistake with a cat" story, using an easy fill-in-the-b…

Things Cats Hate - Share your cats pet peeves with other readers
My Jenny hates that I can't spend enough time with her, and that she's cooped up in a bedroom because of our aggressive alpha cat, Jaspurr. She lets me know her displeasure with typical tortitude by swatting at me when I turn to leave after short visits. Read my associated article, then share the things you do that your cat hates in this form

How Does My Cat Garden Grow?
Gardeners generally fall into two categories: those who enjoy watching their cats sniffing and luxuriating in the greenery, and those who would be happiest if cats just gave their gardens a wide berth. We'll try to address both those needs.

A Pet Owner's Guide to Pet Sitters
With the dawn of the pet sitting industry, it is important to thoroughly investigate pet sitters before hiring one. Mary Anne Miller offers sound advice including a check list of questions to ask a prospective pet sitter, and details to remember before leaving on your trip.

Cat-Friendly Resolutions for a New Year
The start of a new year is traditionally the time to make resolutions for improvement. These are my resolutions for helping to make a better year for my cats and our shared home.

Cats Grooming Supplies
While cats are basically self-cleaning animals, there are times when they definitely need human assistance, in the form of claw trimming, detangling mats, routine brushing for prevention of hairballs, dental care products to help prevent tooth decay and loss, and the occasional bathing when they ve rolled in something nasty. It pays to keep a...

How can I cat-proof my electrical wiring - FAQ About Cats
My new kitten is fairly interested in the wires behind my TV and connected to my computer (these are all connected to the same surge protector. I am very concerned about this. Please help me, I don't want to come home from work to find a zapped kitty! FAQ from About Cats.

Destructive Scratching
Fortunately, there are compromises to destructive scratching that offer you and Tiger a win-win resolution. An often used psychological tool with children applies equally to our furry friends: discourage bad behavior and encourage/reward desirable behavior.

The Great Indoor-Outdoor Debate Revisited
Next to declawing, the indoor-outdoor question is probably one of the hottest topics for debate, with both sides polarized to their own views. Having been on both sides of the fence, I can fully understand the feelings of those on each side. Indeed, this debate seems to be more prevalent in the United States, as in many other countries, cats are allowed free access to the outdoors.

Any Medication for Cats Shedding?
I have two white cats and need to know is there anything you can do about shedding? I vacuum twice a day. I've brushed too. I thought cats shed in the summer. Am I wrong? Is there any medication to give them?

Top Myths and Misconceptions About Cats
The Internet abounds with myths and misconceptions about cats; stories such as 'cats need to be outdoors to be healthy' and 'it is better to let a female cat have a litter before spaying.' These are only two of the myths about cats that are listed here in my own top picks.

My Cat Ran Away
In order to find your cat, you need to consider the possible reasons for his absence, many of them distressful. However, this is the time to set aside emotions and to rationally evaluate the possibilities, with an appropriate action for each.

Is Milk Okay for my Cat?
My cat enjoys milk, and I give her a small amount two or three times a week. Will this help or harm her? I've read somewhere that milk is not good for cats.

Weight Loss Normal?
I notice that my cat seems to be losing weight. Is this common in the summer because of the heat and shedding?

What to Do About Hairballs
Although hairballs may be the topics of jokes among thoughtless humans, they are a source of discomfort or worse, for cats. Learn how to recognize hairball problems and how to help your cat get rid of them

Tips for Choosing Cat Food - Learning the Basics about Cat Food Labels
The ultimate purpose of this series is to help you learn how to read cat food labels to make your decision process easier in choosing the best foods for your cat

Special Needs Cats' Stories
Special needs cats, or "other-abled" cats often need special care, and are all the more special to their caregivers. The one thing all special needs cats share is the fact that they can be loving, active cats, despite what we humans might call "disabilities." Read stories about other special needs cats, then share your own.See submissions

Readers Choice Awards Winners: Cats Categories
About.com Readers Choice Awards is Celebrating its fifth year, and I'm pleased to announce the seven winners in the Cats Categories.

Readers' Choice Awards Nomination Now Closed: Best Book on Cat Behavior
About.com Cats is participating in the 5th annual About.com Readers' Choice Awards. This year, among other awards, we will honor the Best Book About Cat Behavior. You may nominate up to five books with this fill-in-the-blanks form.

Readers Choice Awards Finalists Voting: Cats Categories
About.com Readers Choice Awards is Celebrating its fifth year, and it's now time to vote for the finalists in the Cats Categories. There are six categories to vote in, so please support your favorites and vote in each category.

Readers' Choice Awards Nomination: Best Website About Cats
This year, among other awards, the About.com Readers' Choice Awards will honor the best Website with information about cats. You may nominate up to five cat websites with this fill-in-the-blanks form.

Readers' Choice Awards Nomination: Best Website on Cat Health
About.com Cats is participating in the 5th annual About.com Readers' Choice Awards. This year, among other awards, we will honor the Best Website covering cat health. You may nominate up to five Cat Health Websites with this fill-in-the-blanks form.

Readers' Choice Awards Nomination: Best Non-Profit Cats-Only Groups
About.com Cats is participating in the annual About.com Readers' Choice Awards. This year, among other awards, we will honor the Best Non-Profit Cats-Only Organizations. You may nominate up to five organizations with this fill-in-the-blanks form.

Readers' Choice Awards Nomination: Best Non-Profit Pets Organization
This year, among other About.com Readers' Choice awards, we will honor the Best Non-Profit Pets Organization. You may nominate up to five groups with this fill-in-the-blanks form.

Readers' Choice Awards Nomination: Best Pro-Claws Website
About.com Cats is participating in the 5th annual About.com Readers' Choice Awards. This year, among other awards, we will honor the Best Website advocating against the declawing of cats. You may nominate up to five pro-claws Websites with this fill-in-the-blanks form.

Readers' Choice Awards Nomination: Best Book on Cat Care
About.com Cats is participating in the 5th annual About.com Readers' Choice Awards. This year, among other awards, we will honor the Best Book About Cat Care. You may nominate up to five books with this fill-in-the-blanks form.

2000 - 2009: The Age of Awareness for Cat Lovers
As cat lovers look back on the years from 2000 to 2009, certain events stand out as hopeful trends for the health and well-being of cats in general. I've listed those events I consider particularly significant, and readers will be invited to add those I may have missed.

Discuss in my forum

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