Cat Tree - How to Get Your Kitten to Use it By David P. Lee

Cat Tree - How to Get Your Kitten to Use it

By David P. Lee

You have just brought home a new kitten. Everything has been lovingly picked out and put into place; food, bed, toys and litter box. The kitten is everything that you had hoped for and more, except for the fact that his fur is all over your furniture. You love your kitten, but not his fur on your sofa. So what do you do?

Your kitten needs you to buy him a Cat Tree. This is a piece of cat furniture that can be anything from a few feet high with a couple of lounging spots to a 6 foot sculpture wrapped in a carpet/sisal combination with ledges for lounging and toys that are attached. The reason for this type of a cat tree is to give your beloved kitten something that is acceptable for him to hang out on.

When you are looking for a cat tree, it is important to look for something that is sturdy. As your cat grows, if the cat tree starts to give way under his weight, he may once again choose your furniture. If you prefer a freestanding cat tree, look for one that has a wide base, this will help to prevent it from tipping as an adult cat uses it. The other option is to purchase a cat tree that actually attaches to the wall or even to the floor and ceiling.

When you decide which type of cat tree is right for you and your kitty, its time to teach him that this tree is the only thing that he is allowed to sleep on. There are a couple of ways to accomplish this.

The first step in teaching him to use the cat tree is to show him what it is for and make it fun. Take him to it and play with him there, feed him treats or give him catnip. You could also try putting a shirt that you have recently worn on the tree, this will let him get the feeling of being close to you while he is resting or sleeping on the cat tree. Tell him he is a good boy when you see him playing or on the tree, use lots of praise.

When you see the kitten starting to use something other than the tree, tell him no in a firm voice and redirect him to his spot. Please do not use physical punishment, it really has no place in training. Using catnip and toys to entice the kitten to the cat tree is a very good way to reinforce that this is where you want him to be.

These steps will need to be consistently re-enforced with the kitten until he learns the rules. It will be work, but will be worth it. The results of a kitten that uses a cat tree are many, including fur-free furniture and a loving relationship with your pet.

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Is Your Cat a Tree or Bush Dweller? By Jackie Rosetti

Is Your Cat a Tree or Bush Dweller?

By Jackie Rosetti

Does your cat like high places or does he or she prefer to hideout in things near the floor?

Cats that attempt to get themselves into high places like on top of the kitchen cabinets or on top of the refrigerator, are tree dwellers. Cats that prefer to hide in or under things such as under the bed, behind pieces of furniture in paper bags or cardboard boxes are bush dwellers.

The tree dweller types need a cat tree. Cat trees allow kitty to climb to a higher place and watch the goings on. They can play king of the mountain from the highest level of their tree. Trees with multiple shelves (sometimes called perches), condos or hammocks allow them to choose the level of their domain. Most cat trees are supported by sisal covered poles for scratching enjoyment. They feel safe, but still included in activities within the household. Place the tree in front of a sunny window and kitty can have a warm, secure feeling while watching you, your family and maybe the dog. When things in the house get boring, there are birds to watch, bugs flying by, squirrels running up and down real trees and who knows what interesting small animal may be seen in the yard. Stalking birds and whatnot through the window is exciting, you'll notice your cats tail wagging in happiness just wishing that he or she could catch all those interesting things. The imaginary hunting will eventually tire kitty out and will almost certainly be followed by a nap in the sun that's shining in the window. You may even hear snoring as the security of being at a higher level will allow your cat to relax and snooze. Cat trees offer multiple levels for kitty to enjoy. Some offer a comfy hammock for your cat to relax in and some offer a variety of condos for kitty to hide in. Most cat trees offer a variety of levels and comforts that will surely get a four paw approval.

The bush dweller that prefers to be in the center of things, but maybe not participate would love a small condo. A cat condo is usually a plush covered box with an opening for kitty to climb in and hide, but still see all the activity that's going on around them. It offers comfort and makes a cat feel like he or she can see you but you can't see them. Condos give your cat privacy and a space all their own. When they want to join an activity, they rise with a stretch and slowly come out to join the fun. Some condos or covered boxes include a scratch area for kitty to use instead of using the couch or recliner. Cats love to hide in paper bags and cardboard boxes. A cat condo gives them a similar feeling of hiding, watching and choosing when they will join you and/or keeping an eye on when the food is being disbursed.

Observe your cat and decide if he or she is a bush or tree dweller. Today, cat trees are relatively inexpensive and can be delivered right to your door. Most are so easy to put together, a child could do it.

Presenting your cat with a new cat tree or cat condo lets them have their very own personal space and an area to scratch their little heart out on. You'll probably enjoy an extra lap sit or two for making your cat king of the mountain or beast of the bush.

Cat Toys For Less offers you an ever-growing selection of fun cat toys that will keep your special friend busy (and active) for hours. Keeping your indoor cat active helps prevent health risks such as obesity. http://www.cattoysforless.com

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Cat Houses - They Have Really Evolved Over the Years By Jennifer Akre

Cat Houses - They Have Really Evolved Over the Years

By Jennifer Akre

Did you ever expect that one day that basic cat houses would evolve into what they are today? When they first came out they were little more than a box covered in material with holes on the side allowing your cat to enter. Since then, they have evolved into intricate designs that have a whole industry based around them. One indication that they aren't what they used to be is that they are often referred to as cat condos.

Many different styles are available in a wide spectrum of shapes and colors. Apart from a traditional option, there are others that almost look like art pieces rather cat houses. A new trend developing within the industry is wooden options. Wooden ones almost appear to be more like a dog house. The options that are currently available are those crafted from pine or cedar and are commonly used outdoors. If an indoor version is what you're after, don't worry, there are many products to suit your cat's needs.

First, before actually purchasing one you must determine your pet's needs in order to choose the proper style of one. Your cat's breed and size are the most important things to remember when starting the process of buying one. Certain breeds are privy to instinctive behavior and better suited for one particular style of this furnishing. This may not be the only thing to consider either. The size of your cat house should largely depend on your cat's sleeping patterns prior to buying. The best thing to do would be to observe your cat to the best of your ability, to find out where your cat likes to rest. If your cat generally likes to sleep or rest off the ground it will probably prefer a one that is as well. If your cat usually sleeps in a cool area of your home, you'll probably want to get one that has enough ventilation so your cat is comfortable.

There are enough cat houses in the market to please even the pickiest of customers. If your budget doesn't allow for an elaborate selection, there are always less expensive alternatives that, if researched with the proper care, will satisfy your pet. Cat condos are increasingly growing in popularity. A cat condo is a more elaborate version of a regular option.

Cat houses or condos, come in many different shapes and usually have 1 to 5 levels. Cat condos are the best type of option for owners that have multiple cats. They usually have a lot of compartments for your cats on one or more levels, allowing for more than one cat to utilize it. This is especially practical for pet owners looking to purchase ones for more than cat on a limited budget.

If you want to save money, simply buy cat houses or cat condos that one, two, or more cats can share. Do your best to select the appropriate one for your cat because if you don't, then your cat will end up not using it and that would be a waste of money.

Author Jennifer Akre is an entrepreneur who runs different online specialty stores providing consumers with products and information on how to furnish and decorate any indoor or outdoor space. Whether it's your living, bedroom, or even your deck or patio, there are many tips you can use to make those spots both practical, appealing to the eye, and comfortable for your companion. Today, she offers advice on how to create a fabulous outdoor or indoor area for your pet by using sturdy cat furniture or practical dog supplies. Either would be a nice purchase.

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Kitty Condos - Tips For Choosing a Good One By M. Ament

Kitty Condos - Tips For Choosing a Good One

By M. Ament

Kitty condos are one of the best pieces of cat furniture than any cat owner could possibly purchase. A well designed house for your cat improves his/her quality of life in various ways.

First, a condo gives kitty a place to hide away and nap. All cats love napping - in fact most adult cats sleep about 20 hours per day. And cats typically choose out of the way, dim and quiet places to get their beauty sleep. This is typically no problem at all, unless kitty chooses your closet full of expensive clothes or your best armchair to rest in. In this case, it's great to have a kitty condo as a well designed one will give you cat his own space for sleeping.

Second, kitty condos also give you cat a great place to play. Most of them are tall and stretch up various levels. They may include a variety of toys - and if not you can attach your own toys. It's been shown that cats who get plenty of exercise - especially house cats - live longer than more sedentary cats. A quality cat condo will help give your cat the stimulation and excitement he needs to stay active and healthy for a long time.

The third major benefit of having a condo for your cat inside your house, is that it will most likely save your furniture from being scratched by your cat. Good kitty condos often include a scratching surface for you cat that will hopefully keep him/her more interested than the side of your couch or your grandmothers expensive Persian rug!!

Here are a few tips for purchasing a quality kitty condo. 

1. Get one that has at least one or two compartments in it - more if you have multiple cats. These areas will give you cats that special hide-away place.
2. Make sure that the piece you choose stretches upward at least 4-5 feet. Ideally, it should have some perches on it for kitty to lounge on after he has climbed up. Cats simply love overseeing their surroundings.
3. Look for a condo that has some toys and or a scratcher attached. Sisal or seagrass makes for a great scratching material.
4. Finally, make sure you get a quality piece that will last for a while and will fit in with your home's decor. Most kitties like to be around people - so your kitty condo should look good enough to be in the living room.

To see a great selection of cat furniture please visit our website at: http://www.cattastic.com

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