Remember, cats can climb
Cats are naturally curious animals. They’re going to look in every nook and cranny of their new home and will probably test out anything that isn’t secure. Make sure everything that might fall and break, or make a mess, is either safely secured or put away.

Make sure you tie up window blind cords. If your cat gets tangled, they may accidentally choke themselves.

Make some areas off limits
If you don’t want to have to shut every door just to keep your cat contained, you can spray bitter apple or lemon scented sprays around areas where you don’t want your kitty to go. Cats can’t stand the scent or taste of these flavours. Just do a spot test first to make sure it doesn’t stain.

Put toys away
You might look around your house or apartment and not see any toys. But look again through cat’s eyes. Is there anything they might be able to play with, or ingest? Craft items such as needlework, glue and threads should be put away. Any hair ties, rubber bands, ribbons or ties should be kept somewhere off limits so your cat can’t swallow them.

Lid down
Make sure you keep the toilet lid down. A constant supply of water can look very inviting to a thirsty cat, but a small kitten may drown. If your toilet has an automatic cleaning block in it, this could react unfavourably with your cat’s stomach and make your kitty quite sick!

Houseplants outside
If you have any houseplants, check that they aren’t toxic to cats. Ingestion of certain flowers such as lilies or geraniums could prove life threatening for your cat. You can find a list of toxic plants here.

Do you have any tips on cat proofing your home?

Sources and further reading:

How to cat-proof your home: http://cats.about.com/cs/catmanagement101/a/catproof.htm
Kitten proofing your house: http://www.cat-world.com.au/KittenProofing.htm
Cat proofing you home: http://maxshouse.com/cat_proofing_your_home.htm

[IMAGE SOURCE www.scienceblogs.com; www.animal-photography.com]

History
Although there is conjecture – and even a touch of controversy – surrounding the breed’s origins, the most compelling theory suggests that the Dragon Li cat came about through the natural self-domestication of wild descendents of mountain cats. Self-domestication is the adaptation of wild animals to human presence, and there is evidence to suggest this is exactly what has happened as China’s human population grew.

Appearance
Looking at a Dragon Li, it’s not difficult to see the correlations with its wild relatives. The Dragon Li has a distinctive ‘hunter’s’ gate, with more severely almond-shaped eyes and a thick, well-muscled body. Its head is rounded and large, and it features distinctive tipping on the ears.

Temperament
What sets this breed apart is its incredible intelligence and uncanny adaptability. The Dragon Li is said to have a highly instinctual understanding and awareness of its surroundings, and remains calm and oriented in any location. Because of this, along with a love of playing and exploring, the Dragon Li is a well-adjusted family pet and rarely becomes distressed or needy.
With the confidence of the wild in its past and a sharp awareness of its present, the Dragon Li is a brave, happy and content addition to any household.

[IMAGE SOURCE www.cat-chitchat.pictures-of-cats.org]

Here are some of the most important things about toilet training a kitten:

• Don’t move the litter box drastically. If you want to move the litter box to a different room or outside, do it gradually over a number of weeks. This will prevent your kitten from becoming confused and not knowing where the litter box is. Move it a few centimetres each day until it is where you want it to end up.
• If you want your cat to go in the garden or outside, and it has been taught to use a litter box, use the same process. When the litter box is outside you can begin training the kitten to go places in the garden.
• Keep the litter box clean. Just like our toilets, a kitty litter should be kept clean so change the litter frequently. If your kitten goes somewhere it shouldn’t, be sure to clean it up as quickly as possible. The smell may attract the kitten to go in the same place again.
• Don’t give the kitten access to the whole house at once. Try keeping the kitten in one or two rooms while it’s still learning to use the litter box. That way it’ll be easier for both you and the kitten. The kitten will know the room where its litter tray is and you can watch for signs if it needs to go.

This site has some great tips for toilet training your kitten. Overall it is very important to remember that a kitten is still learning and you need to be patient while they become accustomed to their new home.

Related Resources

Urine Stain Removal

Ever wondered what promises you cat may want to keep? Here are a few ideas…

The new year may already be starting to feel a bit old, but this list of New Year’s Resolution for cats was just too funny not to pass on. Enjoy!

• I will not slurp fish food from the surface of the aquarium.

• I must not help myself to Q-tips, and I must certainly not proceed to stuff them down the sink’s drain.

• I will not eat large numbers of assorted bugs, then come home and puke them up so the humans can see I’m getting plenty of roughage.

• I will not use the bathtub to store live mice for late-night snacks.

• I will not perch on my human’s chest in the middle of the night and stare into her eyes until she wakes up.

• Screaming at the can of food will not make it open itself.

• I cannot leap through closed windows to catch birds outside. If I forget this and bonk my head on the window and fall behind the couch in my attempt, I will not get up and do the same thing again.

• I will not assume the patio door is open when I race outside to chase leaves.

• I will not complain that my bottom is wet and that I am thirsty after sitting in my water bowl.

• I will not intrude on my human’s candle-lit bubble bath and singe my bottom.

• I will not stick my paw into any container to see if there is something in it. If I do, I will not hiss and scratch when my human has to shave me to get the rubber cement out of my fur.

• If I bite the cactus, it will bite back.

• When I am chasing my tail and catch my back leg instead, I will not bite down on my foot. This hurts – and my scream scares my human.

• When it rains, it will be raining on all sides of the house. It is not necessary to check every door.

• Birds do not come from the bird feeder. I will not knock it down and try to open it up to get the birds out.

• I will not stuff my rather large self into the rather small bird feeder (with my tail hanging out one side) and expect the birds to just fly in.

• The dog can see me coming when I stalk her. She can see me and will move out of the way when I pounce, letting me smash into floors and walls. That does not mean I should take it as a personal insult when my humans sit there and laugh.

• Yes, there are still two very large dogs in the backyard. There have been for several years. I don’t have to act as if I’ve just discovered the Demon Horror of the Universe each time one of them appears in my window.

• I will not play ‘dead cat on the stairs’ while people are trying to bring in groceries or laundry – or else one of these days it will really come true!

• When the humans play darts, I will not leap into the air and attempt to catch them.

• I will not swat my human’s head repeatedly when she’s on the bedroom floor trying to do sit-ups.

• When my human is typing at the computer, her forearms are not a hammock.

• Computer and TV screens do not exist to backlight my lovely tail.

• I am a walking static generator. My human doesn’t need my help installing a new board in her computer.

• I will not speed dial the overseas numbers.

• I will not walk on the keyboard when my human is writing important emiognaioerp ga3qi4 taija3tgv aa35 a.

• I will not watch the guinea pig constantly as the guinea pig likes to sleep once in a while.

• The goldfish likes living in water and should be allowed to remain in its bowl.

• I will not drag the magnets (and the papers they are holding) off the fridge and then bat them underneath it so that they adhere to the underside.

• I will learn to relax at the vet’s so they will start writing things in my records like ‘Good kitty’ and ‘Sweet kitty’ instead of ‘MEAN!’ ‘BITER!!’ and ‘GET HELP!!!’

• I will not be miffed at my human all day and then kiss her on the nose at 2am to tell her that she is forgiven and can now pet me.

• If I must give a present to my human’s overnight guests, my toy mouse is much more socially acceptable than a big live cockroach… even if it isn’t as tasty!

Images sourced from: Mauriceo and Catfood Recipes Online

The recent floods haven’t just had a horrendous impact on humans…

We’ve all watched in horror as the flooding disaster has unfolded throughout Queensland, affecting 75 per cent of the state, devastating homes and tragically claiming lives. While the death and damage toll continue to dismay, there is another group of Queenslanders doing it tough who don’t have a voice to complain – the animals.

Domestic pets, livestock and wild animals alike have been affected by the floodwaters, with some residents left with no choice but to abandon their pets in their inundated homes.

Michael Beatty, Queensland RSPCA spokesperson says he is frustrated by the RSPCA’s inability to do more:

‘Anything to do with animals, everyone calls the RSPCA. Unfortunately, the situation in Brisbane now, in regards to us physically being able to take in animals, is non-existent because we simply can’t,’ he said in an interview with the ABC. ‘We don’t have an operational shelter in Brisbane. The animals that left the Brisbane shelter have gone into foster care and we just really thank the foster carers and the volunteers who came in to help ‘But at the moment, we basically can’t take in any other animals.’

How to help

Providing temporary homes for lost and/or abandoned pets will make an enormous positive difference in the coming weeks and months. Michael Beatty has also urged people who can to volunteer, but with so much recovery work ahead of them, the people of Queensland are already stretched to the limit.

However, we have seen some extraordinary images of inter-species kindness and solidarity. The images of a man wading through rising flood waters to save a stranger’s horse warmed the hearts of many, but it was the picture of frog hitching a ride on the back of a snake that made the biggest impact.

The Pedigree Adoption Drive has put a call out to rescue groups and foster carers in flood-affected areas who are in need of food and supplies to make contact through its Facebook page.

Meanwhile, if you’d like to donate to the RSPCA Flood Appeal, you can do so here.

Cat Diaries’ thoughts are with everyone affected by the floods – two-legged, four-legged and no-legged alike!

Images sourced from: Middle town Journa,  Meattradenewsdaily and ABC News

Wondering what to give your cat this Christmas? We’ve got just the things…

We recently reported on the power of pets to boost the national economy after a study conducted by the Australian Companion Animal Council (ACAC) found that last year alone, expenditure on domestic pets totalled $6.02 billion.

This Christmas, the economy looks set to receive another boost from the pet-care industry, with the study also revealing that many owners treat their pets as part of the family, spoiling them with Santa stockings and special treats at Christmas time.

In an interview with The Queensland Times, luxury online pet boutique owner, Clea Sandler, confirmed, ‘Christmas is by far our busiest time of year’. Her store, Snooty Paws, stocks a range of special-treat items to spoil your pet, and even has a Christmas – and Chanukah –line with costumes and themed products for your furry friend.

If you’re thinking of leaving something special under the tree for your four-legged family this Christmas, we’ve got a few tips to help you make the choice!

• Be careful when choosing edible treats. A lot of Christmas treats have ingredients that pets can’t easily digest, so make sure you confirm that your goodies are a pet product and that they have no nasty surprises that may harm your pet.
• If you’re buying a toy, why not buy one that is interactive? More than any toy, your pet desires and thrives on the attention of its family. So you may want to consider a Christmas-themed toy that involves the kids – a springy ball on a string will keep both parties entertained and ensure your cat gets good use out of it.
• Practicality is a good thing to keep in mind when buying your pet a gift. If your cat needs a new scratching post, use Christmas as an excuse to splurge a little and satisfy your needs (and your furniture’s needs) as well as your pet’s!
• Never give your cat leftovers from dinner as a special treat at Christmas. Cooked turkey is always a no-no and could lead to digestive problems or a punctured oesophagus.

Image sourced from: petcentric and missbimbo

The recent heavy rainfall hasn’t just caused flooding issues in some parts of the country. For pet owners, it also means this is set to be one of the worst tick seasons on record.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) reports that ticks are thriving thanks to this year’s mild winter and the current wet weather. Plus the AVA warns that the previous years of drought means there is not enough antivenom (a natural product that can only be made during tick season) in stock to cope with this year’s onslaught.

Protect your pet

The recent Advantix Protect the One You Love pet owner survey conducted by Bayer Animal Health has shown that around 30 per cent of pet owners are unaware of paralysis ticks and the risks they pose to their pets.

Cat Diaries is therefore urging pet owners across the east coast of Australia, where paralysis ticks are found, to talk to their vet about the best way to guard against ticks.

‘The holiday season is approaching and many pet owners will be travelling to coastal regions with their pets where paralysis ticks are common. We love our pets and wouldn’t want anything terrible to happen to them, and whilst laboratories are working hard to produce enough antivenom to alleviate the shortage in the next few weeks, it is important to understand the risks and symptoms of tick paralysis and how to prevent your pets falling victim to these dangerous parasites,’ says Dr Bob Rees, Bayer Animal Health Technical Services Veterinarian.

What should you do during tick season?

1.      Prevention is better than cure – repelling ticks before they bite is the key to prevention, so talk to your vet about the best course of action.

2.      Check your pet every day for ticks – the best way is to feel, not look, for ticks. Start in the common places such as the head and neck, but make sure you search everywhere, including the ears, around the eyes, under the collar, between toes, etc. Your pet is also bound to enjoy the extra attention!

3.      Look out for the telltale signs:

• Weakness in the hind legs or staggering, which may be followed by paralysis;
• Vomiting or regurgitation;
• Change in you cat’s meow due to paralysis of the throat and voice box;
• Laboured breathing, which may include a ‘grunting’ sound.

4.      If you are travelling with your pet – check with your vet if you will be travelling to an area where there are paralysis ticks. If so, make sure your pet is treated every two weeks and checked for ticks daily.

5.      If you notice any of the warning signs, take your pet to your vet immediately.

Take the time to protect the one you love!

Image sourced from: about.com

Christmas is family time and for most of us our pets are part of family celebrations. Nearly all of my friends have a little something wrapped for their fur-friend on Christmas day and include their pets in their festivities

With all the hustle of preparation, the joys of family and friends arriving, exchanging gifts and finally sitting down to enjoy festive fare and drinks, it is easy to not notice the mischief, or trouble that the family pet may get up to.

With a little planning and supervision mishaps and mayhem can be avoided this Christmas.

Decoration distractions

There is nothing more enticing to a cat than a tree to climb and how easy it that symmetrical pine tree – plastic or real. The trouble is that the trees were meant to have a star on top, not a 3kg cat, and the cat and tree will likely come toppling over. Cats rarely listen to requests not to do something so it is best to keep the tree and the cat in separate rooms or to make sure the tree is secured.

Tree decorations look like dangly toys to cats, and some dogs. If you have pets it is better to use unbreakable decorations rather than glass baubles. The glass used to make the baubles is very fine and splinters can be hard to remove from pads, or worse if swallowed.Tinsel is glittery and just begs to be played with. However it is usually made of metal or plastic and can cause problems if swallowed.

Gifts under the tree?  Now what self respecting dog could resist opening a gift or two? Not only will this wreck your gift-giving but the contents of some gifts may be harmful to the dog.

Keep pets secure
Make sure that pets are securely confined when guests are arriving.  If young children are visiting, supervise your pets at all times or confine them away from the children. Children can over stimulate pets, especially at a time when the children themselves are likely to be over-excited

Guests sometimes neglect to shut gates and doors. Make sure your pets are secure and cannot escape your property.

Well-meaning people often share their Christmas dinner with the dog but be do be careful.  Rich food, or even just over-indulging, is just as bad for dogs as it is for us- it can cause tummy upsets and pancreatitis.  Cooked bones can splinter and get caught in the mouth or gut. Onions, both raw and cooked are toxic to dogs as are macadamia nuts. Chocolate is also toxic to dogs ( particularly cooking chocolate) and should never be given.

During all the festivity do remember to check on your pets and make sure that they are cool, comfortable and have fresh water. I suggest giving them a safe treat and putting them somewhere quiet during meal time.

[INFORMATION AND IMAGE COURTESY OF www.drkatrina.com

Make sure the WHOLE family remembers this festive season for the right reasons…

The festive season is full of reasons to celebrate – the weather’s warm, the kids are on school holidays, the family gets together and Christmas and New Year provide party opportunities like no other.

Unfortunately, the Christmas period can pose additional threats to the four-legged members of your family, with a whole range of health and safety issues to watch out for. So this Christmas, make sure you take extra precautions and watch your pets closely, to avoid a holiday tragedy and keep the good times rolling!

Overheating

Unlike the white Christmas the carols tell us about, we all know that Australia is anything but snowy and cold at Christmas! In fact, this time of year features some of the hottest temperatures and the added activity of parties, barbecues and long nights out mean your pet could be out of sight more often than usual.

Be mindful that hot temperatures can adversely affect cats very quickly, so make sure your cat has an accessible and constant supply of water and a shady, cool place to rest, and that he is not left unattended for too long. Signs of overheating may include panting, fatigue, inflamed or red gums, general weakness and diarrhoea.

Pay close attention to your pets in hot weather and if they display any of these signs, seek veterinary advice immediately and try to bring down their temperature with cool water.

Ticks

In many parts of the country, summer is the worst time for parasites like fleas and mites – and with all the commotion around Christmas and New Year, they can easily go undiscovered on your kitty until they has done serious damage. Check your cat regularly and remember that prevention is your best bet.

Overeating, choking and poisoning

We all know that the inside of a house around Christmas resembles a gourmet grocery store, with treats and tasty morsels as far as the eye can see. Unfortunately, a lot of the food items – such as chocolate, nuts, cooked bones or other human food – can be dangerous for cats.

The potential influx of people in your home will mean your cat might get away with begging treats from others, so make sure you let everyone know that feeding your pet could be harmful. Don’t leave food where your pets can access it – the smell is often too tempting for humans to resist a pick and nibble, never mind the effect it will have on your drooling cat!

In order to keep the celebrations happy and stress-free this Christmas, keep in mind that your pets may require a bit of extra attention over the holidays. You’ll be glad you did!

Image sourced from: Associated Content , Catster and  2Funny Cats

‘Funny’ cat behaviour can be a sign that something is seriously wrong

Similar to the ‘fainting goat’ phenomenon that swept YouTube a while back, a new video has recently gone viral, but this time it’s kittens that are doing the fainting. While it seems adorable, the reason for the fainting is actually far more serious. Both kittens suffered from a rare disease, as explained by their owner…

‘[They suffer from] myotonia congenita, otherwise known as ‘fainting goat syndrome’. At the slightest sound or movement, the kittens respond by collapsing and falling into a rigid paralysis that lasts for anything up to a minute before they return to normal. If a pin drops, so do they.’

The condition has hardly ever been diagnosed in cats and is similarly rare in dogs, but is not uncommon in goats (hence the alternative name.) In this instance, the kittens are able to walk, but, said the owner, ‘they cannot run or jump. Aside from this they are normal.’

Sadly, both kittens have since died, but this video and others like it serve as a tragic reminder that weird or ‘funny’ behaviour in animals can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health problem. Remember to consult your vet about any irregularities in your pet’s behaviour.

Click here to view the embedded video.