Kitties Resources

The cat’s probable social behavior varies extremely from ferociously self-determining to compatibly outgoing with other felines. According to a few professionals a cat’s social qualities are “in evolution” from self-dependent to mutually dependent.

In reality, a cat’s behavior and resultant societal relations with other cats are dependent on factors such as population density of neighborhood cats, premature knowledge and the amount of food available in the vicinity.

Variation In The Population Density And Grouping Dynamics:

The family cat is a solitary seeker. It requires a large area to catch adequate prey, while scrounging for itself and it will protect that area from other cats too. From a study, it is revealed that a vicinity of sq mile (1 sq km) will sustain nearly five cats in the agricultural areas of Europe, North America and Australasia.

Altering circumstances such as new felines, absence of few cats or new people greatly affects the social dynamics of cats. Social acquaintances generally develop between females and kittens, and rarely by adult males in a characteristic assembly of tamed cats, who stay with humans. Cats settle differences normally by visual contact or occasionally by a swipe of its paw once, there is friendliness amongst cats residing in the same place.

When two cats meet up suddenly, the cat that has a higher status is generally the superior at that time. However, it might not be the same during the next meeting. Odor and well-being also affects the status of a cat. When a cat comes home after undergoing treatment at a hospital for some medical issue, sometimes a healthy household cat attacks it. Once a status is formed in a multi cat home, however differences are rare.

Behavioral Changes Caused By Food:

When food is available in plenty, social relations increase because the reasons for fighting decrease. Sparsely distributed hunting cats exhibit defensive gestures rather than social while well-fed cats in neighborhood areas usually exhibit outgoing social interactions. Household cats are the friendliest, since food is aplenty at home.

The Importance Of Family And Matriarchy:

One should not expect a household cat to be pleased with the arrival of a new feline just because it gets plentiful food and it has a very easy life. It is nearly impossible. Cats can get along with one another only, if they share a blood relationship.

The other important thing is early castration. Although untamed male cats make very less social relations than females, neutered male cats make the same number of social contacts as neutered female cats. Neutering improves male feline relationships considerably.

The cat family is mostly matriarchal. Untamed cat population generally contains four or more blood-related feline generations. The most frequent social communication amongst females is licking rather than rubbing.

The mother, grandmother, sisters and other female members remove the male kittens from the colony as soon as they mature and exhibit rough play behavior. These males accompany other males, who generally hover around and prevent any unrelated male from coming near.

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Golf players and officials support him when Tiger announced his decision to stop his golf activity temporarily .

Woods admitted to “infidelity” in a website statement, adding, “after much soul searching I’ve decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father and person.”

A golf world that has been largely shaped over the past 12 years by the 14-ime major champion repaid a bit of the debt owed the 14-time major champion for luring huge fan interest and sponsorship money to the sport worldwide.

“It’s great that he’s going to put his family first and work things out,” world number three Steve Stricker said. “Golf will always be there. He wants to make sure his marriage is right and everything is good on the homefront.

“We’ll sure miss him on tour until he gets things taken care of… Now we’re not sure when he’s coming back. But this sounds good. I hope everything works out for him.”

The US PGA Tour released a statement backing Woods and his decision to step away from the game to deal with the ongoing personal saga that has become global gossip fodder.

“We fully support Tiger’s decision to step away from competitive golf to focus on his family,” the PGA Tour statement said.

“His priorities are where they need to be and we will continue to respect and honor his family’s request for privacy. We look forward to Tiger’s return to the PGA Tour when he determines the time is right for him.”

To err is human ?including Tiger. We should forgive him.

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A dog will bark for many different reasons. Dogs may bark to warn you that a stranger is approaching or an intruder is breaking into your home. Dogs that are in pain or frightened will also bark. Dogs also bark to get their owner’s undivided attention or to frighten their owner or other people.

Whatever the reason, we are all in agreement that it can be extremely annoying and look for ways to stop dogs barking. Many dog owners with dogs that bark constantly are charged with disturbing the peace. Thankfully, it is possible to stop dogs barking without just cause.

The best way to stop dogs barking is to train your dog when it is appropriate for him to bark. A number of options are available, the best being the reward/reprimand technique. This method is both humane and effective.

As an alternative to this method of training, some dog owners choose to use an electronic collar, also known as a bark collar. The collar is worn by the dog, which is then activated when he starts to bark. The dog is startled when the collar emits a small electric shock. Eventually, your dog will stop barking as he connects discomfort with his barking. In my opinion, bark collars are a cruel way of training dogs to stop barking.

There are many reasons why electronic collars should never be used, the least of which is that some dogs don’t connect the pain from the shock with their barking. Some dogs are able to tolerate the shocks so the barking continues. Also, dogs with thick coats may not feel the electric shock if the prongs on the collar are not in touching the skin. In addition, just using an electronic collar to stop dog barking hardly ever works. Usually, optimal results are obtained by including dog obedience training.

Although electronic dog collars don’t really hurt dogs, some people think that they could be discouraging to dogs. For this reason, citronella collars are the choice of some people. Citronella collars emit a mist each time the dog barks. Most dogs hate the smell. Once your dog understands that the foul smell is emitted when he barks, he will stop barking to avoid the smell. They are probably just about as successful as electronic collars.

The vast majority of vets and dog trainers believe that, although shock collars can be useful, they are no substitute for good dog training. Obedience training is effective for most dog behavior problems, not just dog barking. It also helps with other dog behavior issues.

Surgery is the most drastic and, in my opinion, barbaric option to stop dogs barking. In order to stop dogs from barking, a portion of the larynx is removed. It is not unheard of for the dog’s bark to return, voiding the surgery. Happily, the majority of vets are against surgery as a way to stop dogs from barking.

In conclusion, I hope we have convinced you that obedience training is the best way to stop dogs barking. You should bear in mind that, if your dogs stops barking by using a barking collar, he will also not alert you to an intruder in your house. By providing your dog with good obedience training, he will protect you and your family but he will also understand when barking is appropriate.

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Cats need a high-protein diet, rich in fats. They normally eat small meals all through the day. Cats maintain their body weight by sticking to the diet they take in. To keep cats healthy, owners have to ensure that the foods they give to their cats are rich in minerals, protein and vitamins.

In addition, the diet needs to be limited. Increasing the food intake for cats may invite serious health problems.

Necessary Nutrients:

Cat owners need to check, if their pet food offers the following nutrients:

1. Pet food has to contain vital nutrients such as minerals and vitamins. One vital nutrient is Vitamin A and vitamin E, which helps to build resistance against a variety of diseases.

2. Animal protein from poultry, meat, egg sources and fish helps to keep bones sturdy and strong.

3. The diet needs to have accurate balance of fatty acids that nurture the skin and coat health.

4. Taurine, an amino acid, extracted from meat sources such as fish and chicken. This helps in keeping the eyes healthy and preventing heart diseases. Taurine supports fetal growth, development and reproduction in cats.

5. Next, a fiber source such as beet pulp, which maintains the digestive system of cats, is also a necessary nutrient.

Special Dietary Needs for Pregnant or lactating cats:

Pet owners have to take enough care of their pregnant cats. Increase their intake by 50 per cent than their current diets. The owner may give kitten food as a nutritional support to cats at the time of conception.

After the mother cat gives birth to young kittens, gradually increase the intake to 75 per cent. Maintain this diet until the kittens get used to eating canned or dry food. The moment kittens begin eating substitute food, incorporate the normal food again so that the mother cat keeps away from any weight gain.

Avoid Obesity:

Generally, indoor cats do not get the opportunity to exercise as compared to outdoor cats. Due to this, indoor cats fall prey to obesity. To avoid this, pet owners have to allow their cats to exercise in open the way they wish.

Preventing Cats from Developing Hairballs:

Cats take their own time to arrange themselves neatly. They constantly lick their fur and in the process, sometimes swallow hair. If the hairball fails to pass into the intestines, the cat may land in trouble. It may try to eject the hairball. To avoid this, pet owners have to make sure that they supply a nutritional diet to their cats.

What Every Cat Needs:

No matter what food they get to eat, owners need to make available plenty of water for their cats, always. It is advisable to place water at a distance three to five feet from the food.

This prevents the cat from swallowing water hastily. Cats demand comfortable place to eat and prefer to stay away from people around them. Last of all, the cat owners need to take their cats to the veterinarian at regular intervals. This will help in keeping pet cats healthy and happy.

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The problem of dog jumping is very common. Often, dog owners will innocently encourage jumping when they respond with enthusiasm to a puppy that jumps up at them.

The puppy learns very quickly that jumping up results in him getting plenty of hugs and kisses. Dogs can’t possibly understand the difference between a small puppy and a large adult dog jumping up.

In your dog’s eyes, there is no reason for him to stop jumping up just because he’s a few months older. It will be necessary for you to teach your dog that it is no longer acceptable for him to jump up.

When is jumping unacceptable?

Many dog owners with small or toy dogs view dogs jumping up as a sign of affection and excitement. Thankfully, it is unlikely that the rambunctious antics of these dogs would knock anyone over, plus they are so small that the only person likely to be intimidated by them would be a child. However, it is rare for someone to welcome strange dogs jumping up on them, no matter how small they are. Simply put, it is a good idea to teach your dog the “off” command for those times when you’re not close by to prevent the jumping behavior.

The “no jump” or “off” command is vital for owners of large dogs. When a large dog stands on his hind legs, he will often be taller than a human – just imagine how scary that would be for a small child! In addition, their weight is often enough to knock over an adult. It’s bad enough when your own dog inflicts scratches and bruises on you, but it’s far worse when he does it to someone else. Dog owners should make sure that dogs are furnished with a recall to the “off” command.

What’s the reason for dogs jumping?

Jumping is usually a dog’s way of showing enthusiasm and excitement. Often dogs will only jump up when their master comes home after being away the entire day. If your dog jumps up on you at that time, he is simply jumping for joy. A less frequent and more serious reason is that some dogs use jumping to show their dominance over the person they are jumping on.

If your dog only jumps up when he’s excited to see you or during playtime, he is clearly just showing his enthusiastic and happy state of mind. If the jumping occurs under many different circumstances, it is likely that your dog is displaying dominance behavior, which is an indication of a communication or attitude problem. Basically, there will need to be major changes in your relationship with your dog, including asserting yourself as “alpha dog”.

Your reaction to dogs jumping up on you is key to whether the behavior is repeated or not. In order to stop dogs from jumping, consistent training will be required. He must be taught that jumping is always inappropriate. You shouldn’t allow your dog to jump one day, then forbid this behavior the next day. Play and work clothes look the same to a dog so, if he’s permitted to jump up on you sometimes, he’ll try to jump up whenever he’s in the mood.

How to put an end to your dog’s jumping behavior

Most dog trainers agree that the most effective way to put an end to annoying behaviors in your dog can also be the easiest. When he jumps up on you, you should just walk away. All attention should be withdrawn (including negative attention such as shouting, pushing or correcting).

Here’s how this training technique works: when your dog jumps up on you, right away turn your back on him, fold your arms, turn your face away, and don’t make eye contact with him. Dogs are able to interpret your body language so your posture will make it clear to him that jumping is inappropriate.

This is where many people go wrong – they confuse ignoring the bad behavior with ignoring their dog. You should be clearly ignoring your dog rather than acting as if his jumping behavior isn’t happening. Giving dogs the cold shoulder treatment is an extremely effective way to quickly communicate displeasure to them. When your attention and reaction are removed, your dog will quickly calm down.

The appropriate time to praise your dog

You can praise him as soon as his four paws touch the floor. Even if you were giving him the cold shoulder treatment a second before, it’s fine for you to show enthusiasm the moment his paws touch the floor.

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Every family is preparing for Christmas, how about no.1 golfer Tiger Woods’.

Following with Woods’ series of affairs, Swedish model Elin Nordegren have no energy to prepare for Christmas and she is in talks with divorce lawyers. However, she’s pretending a normal family life for the sake of their two children.

Nordegren is said to have told a close friend that she wants to spend Christmas with Tiger and the kids in Sweden before a trial separation in the New Year.

“Elin will pretend it’s the usual family celebration for the children and then ditch the man,” the News of the World quoted a friend a saying.

“In the short-term they’ll act like any other loving couple. Elin won’t break it all up right away. But she does need some time alone to herself and a legal separation will happen very quickly,” the friend added.

Nordegren has already moved herself and the children – two-year-old daughter Sam and 10-month-old son Charlie – out of the marital home to a separate house 200 yards down the road in Windermere, Florida.

The pal said Nordegren weight has plummeted as she loses sleep and struggles to eat with all the stress.

“To have been lied to for so long and not have a clue about it, she’s got to wonder about the man she married,” said her friend.

“And she’s also blaming herself, which is the worst. Elin’s doubting her own abilities to chose the right people in her life.

“The only one Elin really knows about for sure is Rachel Uchitel, and the fact that went on so long and that she travelled to various continents with him just kills her,” the friend added.

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Small dogs or lap dogs or comforters as they were once called have a very extensive history, encompassing several thousand years. Small breeds were often kept by nobility and given as presents to royal figures. It was also thought that small breeds were good for ones health. The Pekingees, pug and King Charles Cavalier Spaniel are three examples.

Many dog owners have a preference for small dogs over larger breeds, and for many different reasons. However, by virtue of their diminutive size, these dogs are much more affordable to keep, need less exercise in relation to larger breeds in general, and are simple to transport for example.

Many owners of larger dogs, and often those thinking of caring for a new dogs avoid smaller breeds, because of the perceived differences in their behaviour, in relation to larger dogs. It is thought, and wrongly of course, that smaller dogs are by nature, yappy, aggressive, possessive, over protective and demanding,, and so on.

If this assumption is not true, then why do so many small dog owners experience problems with their dogs behaving aggressively towards other dogs and humans and displaying possessive and demanding behaviours etc?

To get an understanding of the problem, we need to begin at the beginning. All puppies are cute and adorable, even the largest breed was small and cuddly at one time. However, the small breeds tend to retain their puppy looks and size, long after the cute Rottweiler puppy has grown and gained 50 Kg in weight, for instance

Researchers have found that humans have developed a biological response to ‘cute’ things, especially baby animals. It is thought the need to nurture and protect, perceived defenceless creatures is automatic.

This is where problems often begin; the owner over protects the dog, may carry him round, let him sleep on the bed or jump on the furniture when he chooses, and picks him up in the presence strange dogs, and gives in to his demands for attention. This is often done through the misguided notion that the dog needs protecting, by virtue of his size and ‘baby like’ qualities.

So how is this all worked out in the dogs mind? Although our domestic dogs are very different in many ways to his ancestor, the wolf, he has inherited much of his ancestors instinctual behaviours. A part of this instinctual blue print,comes the desire to be part of a group or pack. Although most dogs are more than happy to be the follower in their human pack, if their is no obvious leader, or the dog is getting signals from his owner that he is the leader of the pack, then the dog will have no option but to fill the role, as this is how life is played out in the dogs world.

Over time, the dog may show behaviours that to the experienced eye would be considered dominant, however, to the dogs owner these behaviours are seen as either breed specific, for example, ‘that’s how Chihuahuas’s are’, or part and parcel of the dogs personality, eg ‘he’s always been this way’. This kind of behaviour would be a cause for concern if seen in a larger dog, but somehow overlooked, or not considered serious in many smaller breeds.

There are a number of behaviours that are common to small dogs acting dominantly, so much so, that this type of behaviour observed in smaller breeds, has inherited the label ‘small dog syndrome’ or ‘little dog syndrome’. Some of the common behaviours that characterise ‘small dog syndrome’ are listed below.

Your dog has developed the habit of sitting on you, or jumping on you, or next to you, when he pleases.

Your dog does not allow you near him when he is eating or has a toy he is playing with.

Your barks excessively to get your attention.

Your dog is over protective when other dogs or humans come near you.

Your dog growls when you attempt to move him from his favourite resting place.

Your dog is generally stubborn and refuses to follow commands given to him.

Your dog displays an exaggerated reaction to being left alone, characterised by constant barking, or destructive behaviour.

Much can be done to turn this problem around, however, owners must first consider the role they play in encouraging this type of behaviour in their dogs. Owners must come to realise that their small breed dogs are in fact animals and not little humans.

Secondly, owners must understand that it is natural for dogs to be a part of a ‘pack’ and more importantly, a pack in which they would much prefer to be a follower, than a leader. Understanding these two concepts alone, will help greatlyreduce the problem.

In terms of retraining, owners must communicate to their dogs that they are the leader, provider, and protector of the team. This can be done by controlling all of the dogs resources, for example, food, toys, treats, walks, and favourite places of rest, and allowing the dog access to them when the owner decides.

All demanding behaviour, for example barking for treats or to be picked up and so on, should be ignored, and all appropriate behaviour praised.

Aggressive and possessive behaviour towards other humans by the dog can be dealt with by having a place for the dog to go to when the owner is interacting with others. This may be to his crate, or a cushion in the corner of the room for example.

Owners should be aware that retraining takes time, especially in the case of dogs who have been allowed to display this kind of behaviour for a long time. With patience and repetition however, the dog will be content to become a follower, rather than the leader, of his human pack.

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