The Cat Owner Club

Information, Resources & Tips For Cat Owners & Cat Lovers!

Archive for March, 2008

16
Mar
2008

LCD TVS are the rage nowadays. With advancements in technology, the size of a LCD TVs is many times less the size of conventional TVs and it is getting popular with homeowners who want to do away with chunk pieces of electronics appliances in their homes. With the price of LCD TVs dropping to new lows every couple of weeks, it is no wonder more and more people are buying them for their homes. LCD TVs can also be used as a great gift idea for house warming occasions.

If you are looking for great prices on TVs such as a Sony Flat Panel TV or any SonyTV and other home electronics, you can check out ABTElectronics.com. ABTElectronics.com is an online authorized retailer of home appliances and electronic stuff and it has a large inventory of products ranging from Sony Flat Screen TV, Sony LCD TV and more from other brands. To check out their full range of products, visit their web site at http://www.abtelectronics.com.

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15
Mar
2008

Determining that you want a Maine Coon Cat and knowing what to look for when selecting one is just half of the battle. You have to actually find one! Many people who are interested in owning a Maine Coon Cat simply have no idea as to where to start looking for one.

Cat shows are the ticket in most cases. Many people who show their cats also breed them. This is a good way to find a good, responsible Maine Coon Breeder. However, you can expect to pay a great deal for the kittens – between $600 and $1000 for a 12 week old kitten.

There are other options; however, if you do not currently attend cat shows, or there are no cat shows held in your area, there are online resources to help you find a breeder nearby. One such resource is the Fancier’s Breeder Referral List, located at http://www.breedlist.com/breeders/mai_ac.html. Note that this list only covers the United States and Canada.

You might also consider a Maine Coon Cat Rescue organization. There are many rescue organizations located around the world. In the United States, the Maine Coon Rescue Organization is a national organization, which means that they list details and pictures about Maine Coons in need of good homes around the country.

Most rescues don’t actually keep the cats, such as animal shelters do. Instead, they have loving foster parents who will care for and love the cats until a permanent home can be found. You can find adult cats, as well as kittens, through the rescue, and you will find that you pay considerably less for them. In the United States, try checking the listings at the Maine Coon Rescue (MCR) at http://mainecoonrescue.com/.

There are two other options. You can put in a call to your local animal shelter, and tell them what you are looking for. They will call you if a Maine Coon comes into the shelter, and is suitable for adoption. This is usually the cheapest way to adopt a Maine Coon, but in most cases, information on the pedigree will not be available. Therefore, this is not a good option if you plan to show the animal or breed it.

Your absolute last option – and many believe it should not even be considered – is to find a BYB, or Backyard Breeder. These are not considered top breeders, and often run the equivalent of a puppy mill. You will get the animal for a much lower price, but the breeder most likely did not use care when breeding the cats, and likely did not ensure that he or she did not breed animals that have genetic disorders. In most cases, a BYB will also not have the kittens tested for genetic disorders.

You can find a good breeder, if you look. Again, they are located all over the world. The cost, however, may be a huge consideration for you. Do not seek out a ‘cheap cat’ if it means that the animal has not been well cared for or properly bred.

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14
Mar
2008

Is the Ragdoll the Right Breed for You?

During the mid nineteen hundreds, an American breeder developed a cat breed that was so laid back and relaxed that it would hang limply like a cloth doll when people held it. This breed was developed from a Birman cat and a longhair cat with an unknown ancestry. The breeder called these cats the Ragdoll because of their calm, relaxed nature. Although the Cat Fancier’s Association did not recognize these first cats as the Ragdoll, their descendants became the gentle Ragdolls we know today.

This breed is one of the largest of the cat breeds, weighing between ten and twenty pounds. It is no surprise that such heavy cats have big, muscular bodies. Their heads are slightly round, their ears are small and rounded, and their large eyes are in a brilliant blue color. This breed’s tail is slightly bushy and tapers at the end.

The Ragdoll does not come in a wide range of colors and patterns. In fact, there are actually only four colors accepted by the Cat Fancier’s Association, Seal, Chocolate, Blue, and Lilac. You can find these colors in pointed, mitted, or bicolor patterns, but some breeders avoid mitted cats because they look too much like the breed’s Birman ancestors.
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13
Mar
2008

Great Cat. This is really interesting and exciting,the tricks sounds simple but naturally it really require great effort and time to learn these tricks. The obedience and tricks training must really take patience. Rewards must be really sweet. Kudos for both cat and owner. Cheers!

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12
Mar
2008

Are you tired of cat hair on the counters, footprints on the windowsills, and rumpled pillows? If so, you may want to consider giving your cat his own resting spot. In fact, to truly make your cat happy, you may need to provide him with several cat beds in different areas.

There are so many different types and styles of cat beds that finding one that blends with your décor should not be too hard. You can look for colorful cat beds in fun pet prints that add a touch of whimsy to the room or you can shop for cat beds with plenty of designer elegance, instead. Of course, your cat will be more concerned with how the bed feels than what it looks like.

Cat beds often have fleece pillows to keep them feeling cozy. These beds may be oval shaped with high sides or they may actually be completely enclosed to form a cozy nest bed. Cats enjoy being able to snuggle up in a secure spot, which is why so many of them manage to squeeze inside sofas or other odd spots to nap.
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11
Mar
2008

If you are about to adopt a Maine Coon Cat, you should know, right away, that this is no ordinary cat! The first indication will be the actual cost of the Maine Coon…but it will become even more evident shortly after you arrive home with your kitten.

All kittens – of every breed – are playful, and your Maine Coon won’t be any different. What is different, however, is that your Maine Coon won’t outgrow that playfulness like other breeds do. In fact, the Maine Coon remains playful for his or her entire life. Make sure that you provide your Maine Coon with toys, and select toys that he can play with, without your help, as well as those that he can enjoy with you.

 You can also expect your Maine Coon to be sociable. Most cats are not sociable. They often will allow you to pet them and such, but in the grand scheme of things, they preferred to be left alone, until such time that they desire your attention. When that time comes, you are expected to drop everything and serve them humbly.

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10
Mar
2008

Everyone knows that cats absolutely hate water, so why on earth would someone want to bathe their cat? Well, although cats don’t enjoy paddling in the swimming pool with their doggie pals, they still can get just as dirty or flea infested as dogs. There are times when there is just no other option besides giving your cat a bath. As long as you do not bathe your cat more frequently than once a month, you will not damage his hair or skin.

Before you begin bathing your cat, you will need to gather a few supplies. At the minimum, you will need two absorbent terry cloth towels, a pet safe shampoo, a pet safe conditioner, a sponge, and a sprayer attachment for your sink or tub. If you don’t have a sprayer attachment, you should have a pitcher or large cup that you can use to scoop clean water over your cat’s body. Ideally, you should also have a non-skid mat to help your cat feel more secure.

If you decide to bathe your cat in the tub, you may have a harder time holding on to him if he becomes frightened. However, it is usually easier to keep him contained if he escapes in a bathroom than in the kitchen.

Place your non-skid mat in the bottom of the sink or tub. Add two to three inches of warm water and gently place your cat in the tub. Talk to him quietly and reassure him. He will most likely settle down within a few seconds. Once he is calm, begin to wet him down. If the sprayer attachment scares him too badly, you may have to pour water over him using your pitcher or cup, instead. Do not pour water on his head. You will clean his face later.

Once your cat is wet, squeeze out a palm sized dollop of shampoo and thoroughly massage the shampoo into his coat. If you use slow, calming motions, he may even actually relax and enjoy this part of the bath.
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10
Mar
2008

Last few weeks had been so busy and stressful for me. With all the meetings and projects, I had not taken a rest for quite some time. I am considering whether to take some break but not sure where to. I need to get out of the busy schedule to relax my body and mind and traveling came to my mind. However, traveling would be a tedious work for me with all the planning and not forgetting the cost involve. And I doubt I could afford to take a long break from the work since my projects are half completed at the moment.

So I decided to change my mind and find somewhere nearer and someplace I can just lie down for one day to rest and relax. After considering many options, I decided to go to the beach for a change. The beach is a nice place to go to in a sunny day for the sun and the sea breeze. I could go there for picnic or just to play some beach games with my family and friends.

The kids would love to play in the sand building sandcastles and splashing in the sea. Think it’s time to pack my picnic blanket, some food and buckets and head down to the beach with my family and enjoy a wonderful day today!

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9
Mar
2008

Maine Coon Cats have been around for more than a century. In fact, the first reference to them is from the 17th century in the United States. In fact, a Maine Coon cat is mentioned in literature in 1861. The next known mention of the Maine Coon is 1895, when a Maine Coon won the title of Best Cat at the Madison Square Garden Cat Show. There is much speculation as to how they originated, but there is not any substantial proof of any of the theories.

First note that the Maine Coon Cat is designed to withstand harsh winters. He has thick, virtually water-proof fur, and large paws that are shaped well for walking on ice and snow. He also has tufted ears, which may exist for the purpose of keeping wind from blowing directly into his ear canal. Among all breeds of cats, these are the ones that were built to survive harsh, cold weather.

With that said, the most logical of all of the theories is that the Maine Coon breed originated when cats brought over for Norway mated with short-hair or long-haired cats in the United States. In fact, Maine Coons are most closely related to the Norwegian Forest Cat.

Other theories exist as well. One of these theories is that the Maine Coon is a cross between a raccoon and a cat. This theory, however, doesn’t hold water, since animals do not breed with other types of animals, and mating between a raccoon and cat would be biologically impossible. Some experts believe that the Maine Coon was originally a wild animal, but others believe that the breed has always been domesticated.

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8
Mar
2008

Take a Walk on the Wild Side With the Bombay

If you’ve always wanted to own one of the dangerous and powerful big cats, but don’t want to risk endangering your life, you may want to consider a domestic cat that looks like the deadly black panther, the Bombay. After all, the breeder who developed the Bombay created this breed so that she could have a cat that looked like a miniature panther.

The Bombay cat gets its jet black coat color from its American Shorthair ancestors and its body shape from its Sable Burmese ancestors. This breed has very short hair that has a very smooth and silky feeling. This cat breed must have enormous copper colored eyes that have a round shape. Cats that do not develop the copper eye color or have eye color that fades as they age are automatically disqualified. These cats should be jet black, but occasional sable kittens still appear. For the small size of its compact body, the Bombay is no lightweight, weighing in at six to eleven solidly built pounds.

Of course, since the Bombay is the descendant of two domestic cat breeds, it does not have the personality of a panther. In fact, this breed is known for being very friendly, sweet, and extremely intelligent. Just how smart is the Bombay? This is one of the few cat breeds that can learn to fetch and heel. The Bombay excels at learning parlor tricks, as well. While the Bombay is a bit talkative, it does not have a loud or shrill voice.
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7
Mar
2008

The Maine Coon Cat is a domestic breed of cat. In fact, it is one of the largest domestic cats in existence, and is characterized with a bushy tail, which is usually striped and long fur. The Maine Coon Cat is native to North America. In fact, it is believed that the Maine Coon is actually native to the state of Maine, and the Maine Coon is the Maine State Cat.

 The Maine Coon has been around for more than a century, and it is believed that their physical design enables them to withstand the harsh winters of New England. Everything from their overall size, to the shape of their paws, to the thickness of their fur makes them suitable animals for harsh winter weather. Furthermore, their fur has a water resistant quality to it.

There are numerous legends associated with this special breed of domestic cat. Some are possible, while others simply are not. Some believe that Maine Coon Cats came into existence when domestic cats and raccoons mated. However, this is not possible – and therefore, not considered to be true by experts. One legend that is more likely, however, is that Maine Coon Cats came into existence when short haired native cats mated with cats that the Vikings brought over. This legend is more possible, because the Maine Coon appears to be closely related to the Norwegian Forest Cat.

The Maine Coon Cats of today would not have been considered as a part of the breed at one time. Only brown tabbies were referred to as Maine Coon Cats, and any ‘Maine Coon’ of a different color was referred to as a Maine Shag Cat. Cat experts largely agree that the Maine Coon is a product of mating between short haired domestic cats with long hair cats from overseas, at a time when people began migrating from Europe.

Maine Coon Cats also have unique personalities. They are often likened to dogs in fact. Unlike most cat breeds, the Maine Coon is highly sociable with humans and other pets. These cats will actually run to you when you call them, and are likely to be sitting at the door waiting for you when you arrive home. They do like a lot of love and attention.

Maine Coons were once a favorite among those who participated in early cat shows – as far back as 1861, but in the 1900’s, Persians came onto the scene, and the Maine Coon lost a bit of popularity. They once again started gaining popularity in the 1950s. The Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association were formed in 1968, by six breeders. The purpose of the organization was to preserve and protect the Maine Coon Cat breed. This breed of domestic cat was not recognized by all cat registries, however, until 1980.

Today, there are thousands of people who own, show and adore the Maine Coon Cat. The MCBFA, which was founded so long ago, by just six breeders, now has a membership of over 200 breeders, with approximately 2000 other members (non-breeders) as well.

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6
Mar
2008

About the Singapura Cat Breed

Out of the many cat breeds recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association, the Singapura is probably the breed with the strongest will to survive. These tough little cats have endured almost impossible conditions to grow and thrive. This breed is also called the drain cat because the cats originally lived in the water culverts of Singapore. Luckily, several cats were imported to the United States before Singapore’s officials decided to control their feral cat population and cleaned out the drains, or these plucky cats would no longer exist.

The Singapura is one of the smallest cat breeds, weighing only four to nine pounds. Many cat fanciers think that the Singapura is such a small breed because it is easier for a cat to escape from predators when he can squeeze into tiny spaces to hide. Also, larger cats were probably unable to hide their kittens as easily, and the cats that were able to successfully raise kittens became smaller and smaller with each generation.

Although the diminutive Singapura now often lives in much less dangerous surroundings, it still is a very quiet cat. More than one cat lover has fallen for this sweet little cat’s quiet disposition and soft voice. However, don’t let this breed’s demure appearance fool you. These cats are quite adept at wrapping their owners around their paws and can easily become so used to getting exactly what they want that they become quiet, but loving little tyrants. After all, it is very hard to be firm with such a tiny cat, especially when he looks up at you with enormous, soft eyes.

This breed has a slightly rounded head, a short Ticked Tabby or Agouti colored coat, and slightly almond shaped hazel, green, or gold eyes. The Singapura’s tail is medium length and gracefully tapers to a point. One of the most distinctive characteristics of the breed is the markings that extend from the inner corner of the eyes to the whiskers. These markings are called ‘cheetah lines’.
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5
Mar
2008

Running a small business is never easy. When your business is still in the initial stages, it is imperative for you to cut down on costs especially on things that are not necessary. However, printing is one of those things that are consider a necessary evil by businesses and it is no different whether you are running a small or big business. That is why it is important for you to always scout for the best prices available.

If you stay in the United Kingdom and is looking for a supplier to cut down on your ink and toner cartridges costs, you can check out CartridgeSave.co.uk. CartridgeSave.co.uk is a UK based online toner and ink cartridges supplier for businesses and individuals alike. They have an extensive collection of ink and toner cartridges and replacements for all brands such as Canon ink cartridges, Epson ink cartridges and more. They also carry printing supplies such as glossy and matt paper. For more information, check out their web site at http://www.cartridgesave.co.uk.

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5
Mar
2008

About the Turkish Van

If you are looking for a rare, distinctive looking longhair cat, then you may want to take a close look at the Turkish Van. This cat breed is also known as the swimming cat, since the Van, unlike other cats, actually enjoys taking a leisurely swim. With their love of water, it is no wonder that these cats are named after the Lake Van region of Turkey, which is where the breed originated.

The Turkish Van was developed before the seventeen hundreds from local cats. The Van is used to fending for itself in its natural environment, so it is no surprise that this breed is a bit aloof and independent compared to other breeds. If you have other pets, you may not want to add a Van to your household. These cats don’t always get along well with dogs or even other cats. This breed may also not be the ideal choice for families, as the Van is not interested in riding in doll carriages or attending tea parties.

While the Turkish Van enjoys spending some time alone, the breed is still quite playful and enjoys having a variety of toys to play with. In addition, although he may not pine for you during the day, your Van will enjoy spending time with you in the mornings and evenings. Just don’t expect him to curl up in your lap for hours on end while you watch the news.

The Turkish Van is a large, muscular cat with a wedge shaped head and large, round eyes. These cats can have eyes that are golden or blue, and eyes that are mismatched are also common. Lately, some green eyed cats are also appearing in this breed. This green color is not highly favored. This cat breed’s striking appearance is completed by a long, bushy tail.
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5
Mar
2008

So,you’ve decided that you want to have a pet cat. However, before you shop for your kitten, you may need to consider a few important things. After all, finding out that a cat is not for you after you’ve already grown attached can be heart breaking.

The main reason that people have to find their cats new homes is that they are allergic to cats. If you’ve never spent much time around cats, be sure you can spend a few hours in a home with cats without developing an allergy attack. Also, check with friends and family to be sure none of them are highly allergic.

Next, you may want to consider your lifestyle. Although most cats need less interaction than dogs, your cat can still become lonely and bored if left alone all day. A bored cat is often a bad cat. If you work long hours, consider getting two kittens so that they can keep each other company.

Don’t forget to take a look at your home and be sure you can fit in a cat and all of his accessories. Cats need litter boxes, food dishes, toys, and a scratching post. If you have children, the litter box will need to be placed in a place that your children can’t get to, but that your cat can access easily.
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