names for cats

Cool Names for Cats

Are you looking for cool names for cats? I know when I got a cat last year; it was difficult to come up with one I liked. When you are choosing a name for your new kitty, there are many things you should consider. If the cat is a kitten, then the cat probably doesn't have a name. If you pick up an adult cat from the shelter, they may have a name that was given to them by the shelter.

Even if the adult cat already has one that does not mean that you do not have the opportunity to change his or her name.

Here are some cool ones for cats that are males:

Shaggy: If you have adopted a long haired cat, Shaggy is a great for a cat. This is probably going to be for a male cat, but it would work well with a Persian kitty. If you adopt a cat that does not have long hair, then you probably shouldn't call your cat Shaggy.

Lincoln: When most people hear the name Lincoln, they think of the car or the former president of the United States. Lincoln is great for a cat. While Lincoln can be a name for a person, it is usually the last name. Lincoln is great because it doesn't sound like the name of a person.

Caspar: Caspar is spelled similar to the name of a ghost in a movie in the 1990s. If you own a white male kitty, then this would be a great name for the cat. People usually associate ghosts with being white, so this is the perfect name for a solid white cat.

Alexander: This is a great name for a distinguished mature older adopted cat. Even though many people have had this name throughout history, it is one of those names that could be associated with a cat.

Here are some cool names for cats that are females:

Aristokitty: I just love this one because it makes the cat sound very special and unique!

Priscilla: This sounds like a distinguished name for a female cat. If you have a kitty that seems very smart, this might be a good name for her.

Happy: Happy is a great name for a happy cat! If you have a friendly cat that seems playful and lovable, then this name might fit her well. This is one of the many cool names for cats.

Morgan: Morgan can be the name of a boy or girl, so this does not seem like a stereotypical name. In my opinion, gender neutral names make great names for cats.

There are many cool names for cats. Try to name your cat based on his or her personality when you first meet them. Even though the cat personalities change over time, you can usually identify the cat's personality quickly. Cats will understand if you change their name. It might take a few months, but you can train a cat to respond to a different name.

Kevin Highfill writes about pets and pet related topics at http://www.online4pets.com/.

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cat names

10 Cat Names and Their Meanings

Some people may wonder if there is any point in taking the time to name a cat. It's well-known that calling them by that name is no guarantee that they are going to come to you. Offering admonishments of "No, Fluffy!" is going to, more often than not, bring the exact same results as if you'd said nothing at all.

While cats certainly have a mind of their own and are not prone to being even the least bit obedient, the name is still an important part of the ritual of owning a cat. Even if naming a cat (and later using that name) is an exercise in futility, we still want to get it right.

Here are 10 cat names along with their meanings to help you get started in the search for the perfect name for your four-legged feline friend.

• Tigger

Meaning: Winnie the Pooh's bouncing friend

This is among the most popular names for cats, especially if the cat happens to have tiger like stripes. Not very original, but if you ask your child to help name the cat, this is very likely to be among the suggestions.

• Emu

Meaning: Egyptian word for "cat"

You probably don't hear about a lot of cats named Emu, but if you're looking for a name that is different and that can be a bit of a conversation starter, this might be the one.

• Lucy

Meaning: Learning, light

This name is popular for both cats and dogs, but just seems to fit some cats very well. This is a particularly appropriate name for a cat that tends to be funny as it pays homage to one of the greatest comediennes of all time.

• Maggie

Meaning: A pearl

Not only is this once popular name making a comeback in the feline world, but more and more people are naming their human babies Maggie as well.

• Zoe

Meaning: Life

Another name that is popular for humans as well as animals, Zoe is perfect for your laid back female cat.

• Lalla

Meaning: Abbreviation of a name that means well-spoken

Have a very vocal cat? This name would be a cute nod to her penchant for verbalizing. As a bonus, it's kind of fun to say.

• Paco

Meaning: Free

This is the perfect name if you got your cat by answering a "free to a good home ad".

• Sage

Meaning: Wise one

This name gives your cat the credit she THINKS she deserves. It does seem that most cats think they are smarter than people. Might as well give them a name that reflects that.

• Tabitha

Meaning: Biblical character noted for her good works

This name was very popular during the 60's and 70's when the show Bewitched featured a character by that name. It is debatable whether this name is appropriate for cats since most are not known for their good works.

• Waqi

Meaning: Falling

The name means falling, but sounds like "wacky". Seems like a perfect name for a cat!

Even though you know he or she won't come when you say it, naming your cat can still be fun. Don't look at it like an exercise in futility, consider your way of giving your cat the gift of something very specific to ignore.

Neil Lemons is a pet lover and Online Journalist. He has had the privilege of owning several cats and dogs over the years, some living into their 90s (in dog years). For information on where you can buy homemade flavored cat treats, check out http://www.N-Bone.com, world authority on healthy animal treats for your dog, cat, or ferret.

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Bengal Cats

Bengal cats are a new breed, cross-bred with a wildcat. Their spotted or marbled coat is soft and thick, they have a large, sleek muscular build, rounded slighted long face, oval eyes and thick tail. They have an enviable, exotic appearance without the wild temperament of their much larger untamed ancestors.

Characteristics

Bengal came from the taxonomic name of the Asian Leopard Cats (ALC) and not from the more widely known Bengal Tiger species, which is unrelated to the Bengal Cats ancestry. These cats have a series of horizontal stripes on their faces, known as mascara, which extend along the eye to the back of the neck. Their back and sides are marked with spots like those of a jaguar, and the rest of the body, legs and tail, are marked with symmetrical stripes. The spots sometimes have a marbled appearance and are generally made up of two colors. The following colors and patterns are recognized as Bengal Cats and therefore eligible for competition; Brown Spotted Tabby, Brown Marbled Tabby, Seal Mink Spotted Tabby, Seal Mink Marbled Tabby, Seal Sepia Spotted Tabby, Seal Sepia Marbled Tabby, Seal Spotted Lynx Point, and Seal Marbled Lynx Point. These pets are the only variety that sometimes have a pearl or gold dusting, sometimes called glitter, and the texture of their fur is rich and silky-smooth. Bengal Cats even have a different sound in their voice and tend to be very vocal.

Temperament

Originally some of the Bengal Cats inherited the unpredictable temperament of the wildcat, but breeding programs concentrated on breeding a gentler nature. The domestic feline is very lively and active, but also quite self-contained and quiet.

Brief History

As the story goes, Jean Sugden Mills, around 1982 bred a domestic cat with a feral Indian Mau. At about the same time, Greg and Elizabeth Kent started their own breed of Bengal Cats using an Egyptian Mau. Both Jean Mills the Kents worked hard to popularize the this breed, and in 1986, The International Cat Association adopted the first written breed standard. Today Bengal Cats are the most popular registered cat breed.

Care and grooming of Bengal Cats ought to be kept up as any other housecat; frequent combing of fur, good nutrition, regular play and veterinary visits. For more information on the care and feeding of our favorite furry pets, visit: [http://lovefatcats.com]

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kittens

How to Raise a Healthy Kitten

Selecting a Kitten

It is best to choose your kitten from the whole litter, choose the frisky playful, friendly kitten that is confident and happy to approach you rather than the one that hangs back and is shy. The best time to take your kitten home is between 7 and 8 weeks old. Some pedigree breeders like to keep the kittens until 12 weeks old so they can have their initial vaccinations.

Some things you have to look for when choosing a new kitten or cat are:

The ears should be clean and no unpleasant smells.

White blue eyed cats are prone to deafness (all cats eyes are blue at this age) Test this by making sounds outside its field of vision.

Eyes should be clear and bright with no sings of weeping.

Gums should be pink (not red) and teeth should be white.

The coat should be clean and unmated with no fleas or flaky skin.

Check under the tail - this area should be spotless in a healthy cat.

Setting in your new Kitten or cat

It is probably best to have a proper pet carrier to take your new pet home in - to avoid extra stress. At let your new kitten
or cat come out of the carrier at its own time. It will need time to settle down, so make sure it has fresh drinking water and a little food also make sure it can find its way to its bed and litter tray - then leave it alone for a little while. Make sure that children behave gently and quietly around the kitten, kittens need peace and quiet to sleep as well as needing laytime. It is best to keep your kitten confined indoors for a week or so and accompany your kitten on its first trip outside - continue to go out side with your kitten for the next few trips. This will give the kitten a sense of security and encourage it to come when you call. Your new kitten should integrate quite well with other pets, make sure that you can introduce them slowly. Some pets will integrate at all - make sure you keep small mammals and birds away from your kitten as their natural instincts will take over. Once your kitten has overcome its initial fears it will amuse it self for hours with very cheap simple toys like ping pong balls, cardboard rolls and small stuffed animals.

What Equipment your cat or kitten need

A bed: a cardboard box with a blanket or cushion in it - makes an ideal bed for a kitten as the kitten grows you may like to find a more permanent replacement, such as wooden box or a covered bed. You may like to keep in mind that it should ideally be washable when choosing a bed. Place the bed in a quiet, draught free, warm spot.
Grooming tools: - A brush - preferably with natural bristles is very useful for grooming any cat - for long haired cats you will also need a wire toothed metal comb and a pair of rounded scissors to cut out any tangles. A pair of feline claw clippers will complete your pussy cats grooming set.
A collar or harness: Your cat should wear a collar complete with an identification disk. The collar must be elasticized in case it gets caught - for example on a branch whilst climbing a tree. Some owners train their cats to go for walks on a harness or lead.
Toys: There are a huge range of toys available for cats making play of exercising fun and providing stimulation. Many stuffed toys contain catnip - this herb also called catmint appeals to many cats, creating an apparent sense of wellbeing - this lasts for approximately 15 minutes.

A scratching post

- Cats love to scratch. Scratching serves a couple of purposes - firstly it keeps the claws neat and trim - it also marks the cats' territory as other cats will see the marks and smell the scent. The cat has glands between the toes that release this scent as the cat scratches.

A scratching post is the best solution - but the cat will need to be taught to use it from the very beginning. This will save your furniture, avoid using a carpet covered scratching post as the pet cat may see the house carpet as an extension of the scratching post. If the cat ha selected a piece of furniture where it like to scratch - by covering it with plastic for a while the cat will stop scratching there. Cats do not like the feel of plastic.

A litter tray

- A litter tray will be needed when your kitten first comes home and if you intend to leave the cat in at night. Choose a tray
that is deep enough and roomy enough for your cat to turn around in easily. There are numerous varieties of kitty litter available - choose one that suits you. Also a covered litter tray is a great idea as it keeps the smell and the mess inside also creating a more private spot for your cat.

A Cat flap

- Cat flaps are a great idea to allow the cat to go in and out as it pleases. You must be careful however as other cats may also come in. check what flaps are available and choose the one that suits your needs. A cat is quite easily trained to use a cat flap - prop the flap open at first and call the cat through form one side than the other. When it has mastered this, lower the flap a little and use the same procedure - continue to do this until you can close the flap altogether.

Feeding your kitten

Ask the breeder or pet shop for a diet sheet so that you can continue feeding them the same diet and quantities. This will avoid you giving it too much food or an over rich diet which can cause tummy upsets. You should also find out meal times.

Food and feeding your cat

There are three types of cat food available commercially -moist food, semi - moist food and dry food. Cats need meat or fish everyday to be healthy.

Moist food as in the canned varieties is preferred by most cats because it closely resembles fresh meat. It also has the
vitamins and minerals that the cat needs. How ever canned foods will not last long once served and it is best to take the food away after an hour to encourage your cat to eat its food in a single sitting rather that picking at it all day long.

Semi - moist food usually comes in a sachet. It keeps well in a bowl without drying out or loosing its texture and tastes good to cats.

Dry food contains very little moisture so it is very important to have fresh drinking water available.

Establish a feeding routine where you feed your cat once or twice a day - at the same place and the same time. Leave the food out for an hour then take it away. This will help to make your cat a healthy eater and not pick at the food all day.

Worming

The most common worms that affect cats are round worms and tape worms. Cats must be de-wormed regularly. Your vet will give you specific advice on worming products.

Following these simple steps will ensure you, your family and the newest edition to the family will have a happy, healthy and rewarding time together.

(c) Katharine Logan 2005
http://www.pet-library.com

Katharine Logan is author and content manager for Pet-library.com She conducts research on specified subjects to help people with day to day issues. For more click on:[http://www.pet-library.com]

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siamese cats

Siamese Cats - Do You Really Want One?

Are you ready and able to welcome Siamese cats into your heart and home?

Where should you start?

With personality plus. Siamese cats can be high maintenance, more so than most house cats. Don't let this put you off, because when it comes to pure breeds, they are no higher maintenance. In fact, they are a lot less trouble than some of the long haired breeds like the Persian cat, which requires brushing and combing every day.

What does 'high maintenance' mean? Unlike the Persian cat, Siamese cats have a close short coat and although many like a brush they can look after their own coats. This also applies to the long-haired Siamese, called the Balinese or Javanese - they have an easy to manage longer silky coat.

Where they do require more attention is in the mental and psychological area. Without that attention, they will become unhappy, and an unhappy Siamese cat spells trouble. Picture this: shredded furniture and curtains, territory marking and self harming by pulling out their own fur, just for starters.

How does this affect your decision to buy that most tempting, cute and naughty Siamese kitten bundle?

If you are out of the house for hours on end, plan on either more than one Siamese or make real efforts to keep your cat entertained: that means special toys, treats hidden around the house, or special sleeping places by the window.

When you come home, plan on spending some quality time together. It will allow you to re-bond and your cat will forget your time apart.

Another option is a Balinese or Javanese, which also belong to the family of Siamese cats. Some breeders say that with a Balinese or Javanese, you get the character of a Siamese, but generally a more easy-going nature. If you plan on being at work all day, you might consider the longer-haired Balinese over the standard Siamese.

Take some time to think about what you want from your cat.
If the idea of a cat always hanging around, wanting attention, and mewling loudly with that piercing Siamese voice gets on your nerves even as you read this, then this truly might not be the best choice for you.

Do you have a hectic family life? Do you really have the time, energy and inclination to take care of the emotional needs of your Siamese? Remember, a lonely and ignored Siamese will be anti-social and get on your nerves even more - and that's a cruel thing.

Finally all cats cost money, vet bills, food and boarding costs soon add up. It would be so sad to end up having to give your cat away because you could not afford to keep it. If your job takes you away all the time having a Siamese is probably not a good idea. Take some time to think this through, before you buy your Siamese cat!

If you still think you can care and provide for this most special and striking of cats, then read on - because Siamese cats are truly different.

Most owners agree that Siamese cats are special. They look different, with their darker paws and faces and blue eyes. And they have such a distinctive voice - even those who don't love cats can recognize a Siamese.

Siamese cats are on average more clever than most cats, although you can get exceptions.

You will be enchanted with their antics. While elegant in appearance, they can often be quite clumsy. Take care to bolt down all ornaments! Who knows - they may choose to be clumsy just to get your attention. They feel warmer than other cats when you cuddle them, and they love the heat. Those radiator beds are very popular in colder climates. And if you can provide them with the entertainment of a safe outdoor run they will love you for it.

Siamese cats cannot see as well as other cats at night though so watch that they don't come to any harm. Nor are all Siamese noisy, though some can howl the house down. Make sure you have easy-going neighbors who don't wonder why you're torturing your cat!

If you have more than one Siamese you will probably see that unlike the more independent breeds they will love to sleep in a great heap together, another good reason for having more than one. Occasionally, like any other cat, they'll take a dislike to their house mates and will never sleep close together, but this is rare.

Still fascinated by Siamese cats? Still convinced this is the perfect match for you?

That is good news, because a Siamese is truly a special friend.

A word of caution before you buy though: it's the same for all breeds, you should choose your kitten carefully. To avoid heartache, do your research properly and buy from a reputable breeder. After all, the last thing you want is a sick or weak kitten.

Still not put off? Then you will be rewarded with a wonderful special relationship this breed is rightly known for.

Anne Sterck, 'The Siamese Cat Lady', has never been without a cat or two or three! She is presently owned by Cumin, the cutest and naughtiest Siamese cat in France.
Obviously she couldn't include as much information about Siamese Cats and Siamese Kittens as she would have liked here. To get more help in finding your special Siamese Cat friend go to http://www.loving-siamese-cats.com
Choosing your new Siamese cat just got a whole lot easier.

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cat

Cat Evolution

Cats are loved by their owners for being individualistic & independent, yet they are often accused by non cat owners of being aloof and/or arrogant. Recent studies conclude this is largely due to the fact they have no eyebrows. Some people then perceive them to posses a flaw in their personality, a coldness not seen in other domestic animals such as dogs.

This is of course not true, when a cat purrs and rubs up against their owner this is a definite show of affection, just like the wagging of a dogs tail.

Cats are first thought to have been domesticated by people on the island of Cyprus about 9,500 years ago and originated from only about five self domesticating African Wildcats (Felis silvestris lybica) which would have lost their fear of humans and come looking for food when prey dried up due to naturally occurring weather conditions.

Cats are very similar to their lion & tiger relatives. They posses the same strong flexible bones & super quick reflexes & the same retractable claws, making it easy for them to run at their pray & then capture it.

The cat is a nocturnal predator, its eye operates differently to a human eye, making it possible for him/her to see far better than other animals in reduced light situations, due to the fact it has a special layer of cells at the back of its retina, called the tapetum lucidum which reflects light back to the cells of the retina, essentially giving the eye another chance at collecting light. Cats have also evolved to hear fainter and much higher frequencies than we can, which is why they know there is a mouse in the cupboard long before we do.

Caring for your cat

As a cat owner you can have a huge impact on the health and well being of your companion by undertaking routine preventive healthcare at all stages of its life - from kitten hood through to old age. This offers the best chance of preventing problems arising or, at least, maximising the detection of any illnesses early on.

Owning a new kitten means you will have to vaccinate at around 8 weeks old, and then again at about 12 weeks. To maintain immunity, all adult cats require annual boosters.

Worming

The most common intestinal worms affecting cats in Australia are roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm. Worms are a common cause of ill health in pets and can result in a loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.

To protect your cat, common worms can be easily controlled with a routine worming treatment. Kittens need to be wormed every two weeks until twelve weeks of age, then monthly until six months of age.

For more great tips on pet care go to http://www.captncanary.com/

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