Getting a new cat is an exciting time for everyone. Yet there can be challenges posed if you are introducing the new pet into a house with other cats. It is a myth that cats are solitary animals, but their social groups have complex rules of hierarchy. This means the introduction of a new cat can be disruptive and can lead to fighting or spraying. To avoid the worst of this, you can make the introduction easier by following this basic plan.   Before you get the new cat, your first task should be to choose a room and set it aside for them to live in temporarily. This should be a spacious room and one where you can spend plenty of time with the new pet yourself. You should also not use a room where your other cat's food or litter tray is located. Equip the room with the things the new cat will need; food and water dishes, a litter tray, and toys. Your new cat will live in this room at first, so ensure it has the required comforts.   Once you have your new pet, bring him or her home and put them straight into their room. There is no rush in making introductions, so the first thing to do will be to get the new cat acquainted with the room. Let them explore, smell things, show them where their food and litter tray are, and so forth. The cats may sniff at each other around the door, which is a good start for an introduction. Letting them get used to the smell of each other is an important early step in the process.   Your next step will involve first contact between the pets, but it is still constrained. Open the room's door by a couple of inches, enough to let a cat stick the tip of her nose through but denying passage. The cats should now seek to say 'hello' to each other, and should sniff at each other. There may be some growling, hissing, or attempted hitting, but this is not a problem at this point. Your aim is not a perfect first impression, it is to create the conditions for a happy life together. Some hostile incidents can be part of that without problems arising later. Close the door after a few minutes, and make sure you give the cats on both sides some personal attention.   You must use your judgment for when the time is right for the next steps, reviewing how your cats are coping. The whole process can be done in hours or it might take several days. When you feel both are ready, take one of your existing cats and place them in the room with the new one. You should be quite hands off here, and only intervene if a serious fight breaks out. Let them explore, say hello properly, sniff around at things, or even avoid or ignore each other. This first full contact will only last a few minutes. You should let the new cat have a rest before introducing the next cat, if you have more than one. Repeat this process after perhaps an hour, and increase the amount of time spent in contact.   Finally, when all your cats seem comfortable with each other, you can let the new one go free to run around your home. It may still prove wise in the first few days to keep them apart if nobody is home or when you are asleep. There could still be some conflict in the early days as the cats work out a new social hierarchy. They may also compete for places of comfort and security. Yet, with the above introductions made, it is likely to go far better than otherwise.    Remember, though, that each cat is an individual with their own personality. Some may be friendly and introductions will be complete within hours. Some may be much more hostile and it could take much longer. The cats may never form a close friendship, but as long as they can tolerate each other, that will not be a big issue. Remember also that this advice is much less relevant to young kittens. They will usually form quick friendships thanks to their lack of adult cat sensibilities.

Pets are often compared to children, with affectionate names like "my babies" or "my fur-children." To be sure, there is nothing quite like a fuzzy companion (or even a scaly or feathery one!) to warm hearts and make a house truly a home. That said, like children, pets require a lot of supervision and attention. Any cat owner knows drinks should not be left unattended, nor chords left uncovered, lest a curious paw, nose, or tooth get into places it shouldn't. Similarly, parents of puppies become aware very quickly that no food is safe, not even that meatloaf on the counter -- especially not that meatloaf on the counter.      But there are other dangers every pet owner needs to look out for, far more threatening than damage to precious snacks or electronics. Animals are by nature exploratory and tenacious, making them excellent candidates for a dozen or more close-calls: open dryers, unattended chocolate, sharp pork pones, and doors left open just a crack are only some of the anxieties pet owners are up against.       If your animal is strictly an "inside" dog or cat, and is not allowed to go outside off leash or harness, you have already avoided several potentially deadly risks, such as traffic, wild animals, and, unfortunately, unfriendly neighbors. You also avoid your pet getting lost, or injured on fences, broken glass, or other human-made hazards. Gone are many of the chances for your baby to find poisonous snacks outside and gobble them down, or for them to contract diseases from contact with other wandering animals.       But it is by no means safe to assume that simply bubble-wrapping your pet up cozily inside your home is enough to keep the stubborn pet from getting into mischief. There are plenty of health risks in the average home that need to be monitored in order to keep your fur-baby safe, happy, and healthy.       One such potential problem is your kitchen garbage. Most pet owners have experienced their pet robbing the garbage for treats at least once, and often the main frustration is in the mess created, or perhaps a tummy ache for the offending animal. But did you know that these incidents are cause for concern based on more than simple bad table manners? We humans throw away a lot of hazardous materials, all things considered. What may seem to us to be merely a bunch of gone-by grapes can be a rush to the vet for a curious canine, and a tempting pork-bone can become a sharp splinter of bone lodged in an unsuspecting animal's throat or stomach.        If you plan on discarding bad leftovers, or disposing of chicken bones or other byproducts from your meals, it is vital to practice awareness. What are you putting in the can? Is it accessible to sneaky pets? A garbage can lid can go a long way in preventing cats from rolling in the leftovers, but more stability may be needed to disuade stubborn ones, or larger animals such as dogs. Consider acquiring a large, sturdy box to keep your can in, or a heavier metallic can with a tight-sealing lid to conceal tempting odors. It is also wise to keep your garbage can in a cupboard, or even behind a pet-proof door, such as in the laundry room or a closet.        In the vein of edible dangers, table-scraps given directly to your animal can also have harmful effects. Even if you don't feed your pets human food, it's important to be aware of who in your household might. If you have animal-loving guests over, young children, or anyone vulnerable to puppy eyes, take a moment to let them know how important it is that nothing unusual is given to your pet to eat. Preventing your dog or cat from being fed raisins, chocolate-chip cookies, or a "taste" of coffee or beer can go a long way in protecting their health. Looking up lists of seemingly innocent human foods that can hurt your animals is a wise choice. Consider sharing your findings with family and friends as well, for the safety of your own animals, as well as theirs.        Another common complaint of many owners is the destruction of electrical chords, if not the entire gadget its attached to. Of course this behavior is annoying, and can damage your belongings, but it can also damage a playful kitten or puppy. Electrocution should always warrant precautions.        One simple but effective way of keeping your pets from taking too much interest in the tempting, dangling, swinging and chewy chords around your home is to take away their most interesting features to "hunting" kittens or puppies: tape them down. This won't get rid of the fun chewy texture, but it will keep them from swinging in the animals' faces when in use, causing an incredible need to tackle in most cats.         You may also wish to consider purchasing a cord sorter. There are several kinds available on the market, many of which only help humans to differentiate one cord from another for easy device hooking up and unplugging. But soft wrap-around protectors can also be bought, which keep the cords from tangling with each other, and, most importantly, with any kitten claws or puppy teeth. This tactic removes the texture temptation, as well as making them heavier, and less fun to bat around or pull on.          If you live alone, this next risk is minimal, but will still apply from time to time when guests are over. Those pet owners who share space with other humans have a risk that's ever-present, but rarely discussed: handling by others. If you have animals small enough to pick up, it is vital that everyone who has a chance of doing so is aware of the correct way to handle your pet. If someone wants to hold your animal, ensure that they first are shown how to lift, hold, and pet your animal. Households with small children have special challenges in helping the young ones to learn the best ways to touch a pet without hurting it. Enforce gentle petting only, with removal of the animal from the child's reach if the rule cannot be followed properly.          Don't leave your young child alone with a dog or cat, even if they are always kind to it. A well-meaning child may accidentally "love" an animal too hard, pulling ears, pinching, squishing, or poking. This can effect both the physical well-being and the animal's ability to feel safe. Likewise, it is always smart not to leave an animal and small child alone lest the child get hurt, whether from a bite, scratch, or something as simple as getting knocked over during play.          Finally, temperature can be crucial for the well-being of all animals, though perhaps particularly non-furry ones. If you notice your animal shivering, and you feel chilly yourself, try cuddling with the pet, or constructing a blanket nest for them. If they are panting excessively, or lying splayed out on the kitchen floor in the summer, they are likely too hot, and may appreciate a cool, damp towel to lie on, a bowl of fresh water, or an electric fan blowing gently on them. Don't leave your pet home alone in extreme weather of any kind. At best, they may be frightened by stormy weather, at worst they can become overheated or chilled, which can lead to illness.         While it is true that outside, or outside-inside animals (those who spend time both outdoors and in the home) are subjected to more risks than their strictly inside cousins, it is vital to remember that having four walls around your pet does not promise they will not find danger. Keep an eye on your little ones, and remember that a good rule of thumb is: if you wouldn't allow your baby to live in the environment your home creates, it's time to baby-proof. Lock away the cleaning supplies, remove all access to human food unsupervised (even for creative trash-burglars), and don't give opportunity to play with toys that are not meant for them.         Being a parent, whether of a human child, or a furry friend, is a full time job, riddled with worry, and with joy. Every pet parent needs to do their part to ensure the longest, happiest time together a furry baby and their parent can have

If you're adding a new cat to your household, you definitely need to consider how you plan to protect this pet against some of the most common contagious diseases that can damage a cat's health. The good news is that there are plenty of vaccinations available, and that many of these can help to protect your pet. However, there are some complications; certain vaccinations are not necessary for indoor pets, and can be expensive (or even cause unpleasant side effects). Here's what you need to know about the major cat vaccines that will be offered by your vet.   1) Feline calcivirus When cats contract feline calcivirus, they will develop painful mouth ulcers that often lead to reduced appetite and weight loss. In addition, you will notice the cat sneezing, coughing, and weeping discharge from the eyes. In many cases, calcivirus causes permanent respiratory issues, and in a minority of cases cats will end up suffering from the major symptoms of calcivirus for the rest of their lives. The vaccine is recommended for all cats, whether they live indoors or venture outdoors, and it will protect your pet against some of the main strains of the disease. However, it is worth noting that there are other strains out there, so you should always be vigilant for signs of calcivirus (even after vaccination).   2) Feline infectious enteritis Sometimes called feline panleukopenia or simple FIE, you may already know that feline infectious enteritis is an incredibly dangerous disease that causes fatalities in almost all cases. To make matters worse, it is very easy to pass this illness from cat to cat. The symptoms typically begin with a heightened body temperature, and ulcers soon develop in the cat's digestive system. As the disease lowers the immune system, the cat becomes vulnerable to other pathogens as well, and quickly deteriorates. Experts tend to recommend that all cats receive a cat flu vaccination, and this recommendation is dramatically reducing cat flu cases year after year.   3) Chlamydia Chlamydia is a common bacterial infections that causes the symptoms of conjunctivitis (such as red, painful eyes), and upper respiratory issues such as coughing and noisy breathing. These symptoms are typically relieved by a course of strong antibiotics, and the disease is mainly passed between cats that spend time outdoors. As a result, most vets will think that the vaccination is not strictly necessary if you have an indoor cat (especially if she lives alone).   4) Feline herpesvirus Feline herpesvirus will cause your cat to appear as though she has the flu; she will sneeze, experience discharge from the eyes and nose, and develop a painful sounding cough. While the disease is not always fatal, it leaves the cat with a predisposition to develop other respiratory problems in later life, and most cats with herpesvirus also suffer from repeated eye infections throughout life. The herpesvirus vaccine is highly effective and is recommend for all cats.   5) Feline leukemia virus Feline leukemia virus (or FLV) can severely reduce a cat's ability to fight disease, and it also makes your pet more likely to develop a range of different cancers. Once a cat has contracted FLV, she is likely to die within three years, and the disease is highly contagious. It tends to be transmitted through saliva, so cats can contract it by sharing water sources or washing each other's coats. If you live in a multi-cat household or plan to let your pet outdoors, you should definitely ask your vet for the FLV vaccine. Given the severity of the disease, you may want to get your indoor cat vaccinated as well, but you must be aware of the fact that some cases develop a malignant growth after receiving the vaccine.

Starting your own business can be a creative and fulfilling way of earning some extra cash, and more people than ever before are turning their passions and hobbies into lucrative enterprises. While there are hundreds of resources online to help entrepreneurs build a startup company, it can sometimes be confusing which business you should invest your time and money in. Some people make the mistake of choosing a non-profitable business or one with an over-saturated market. Pet owners are a growing target market with a potential for high enjoyability while you earn, and for cat lovers, there are many options when it comes to starting a business.   1 Sitting Pet-sitters are always in demand, especially in middle class neighbourhoods and military towns where people vacation often. It is often the go-to startup for cat lovers, for good reason: it requires little equipment, maximises time with the animals, and pays well. There will likely be many pet-sitters in your area already, but the way to stand out is to deliver excellent service, charge competitive rates and set yourself up professionally with a business name and advertising. This will set you apart from that sector of competition made up by teenagers on summer vacation. Add that you will be happy to take care of plants, and be flexible - does the cat owner want someone to stay in the house full-time, daily visits, or are you able to take care of the cat in your own home?   2 Grooming Many breeds of cat have long, luxurious fur, which can be a source of joy and frustration for their owners. Lots of people love having long-haired cats for their appearance or temperament, but would rather not brush the animal twice a day. You can offer a mobile service or a salon in your own home, specialise in all-natural organic cleansers or speed of service. Be professional and gentle to the cat at all times. If done well, this type of business lends itself naturally to repeat customers.   3 Training Dog training springs to mind more readily than cat training, but therein lies a possibly lucrative niche. Many people abhor litter boxes, and it is possible to train a cat to use its owner's toilet, for example. Aside from this superficial training, cats are prone to many behavioural issues that, with loving attention and expert knowledge, can be resolved. Cat training can benefit multi-cat households where stress is an issue, or where there is significant upheaval taking place, e.g. a renovation. Educate yourself as much as you can, and if possible, get a recognised qualification to build trust. Treat the animal with the utmost care and have a limitless amount of patience. This is a very rewarding avenue, as you will be improving the animal's overall quality of life.   4 Education If you are very knowledgable about cats, turn that know-how into profit by releasing an ebook or instructional series of videos for pet owners. Lots of people want to know more about their pets and how to take care of them, and are willing to pay for instructional materials. It is completely free to create and upload an ebook to Amazon, and many people make a lot of money hosting short courses or webinars about their topic. Make connections to other professionals in the field and get known on sites such as Quora, which specialise in expert advice. Create a social media page and answer any questions promptly and without directing people first to your products: by building trust, you will create a quality word-of-mouth reputation as an expert.   5 Pet portraits If you are in any way artistically gifted, pet portraits can be a fun and rewarding startup for cat lovers. Owners' emotional bonds with their animals can be as strong as with any human being, and they often want to commemorate their relationship with an image or a painting. Also, if someone has lost a pet recently, they might want a meaningful way of remembering them. It is often easier to work from photographs rather from having a live animal sit for you, but it can be good to meet the animal in person at least once to get a feel for its character. The market is strong for professional, realistic work, but if you have an individual style let it shine. Draw a few pictures and give them away to friends and family as gifts to build your reputation, and build a website to showcase your work.   There are many more lucrative startups for cat owners, so use these ideas as a springboard to find your own venture. Remember: be professional and courteous at every stage, and respectful and gentle with the animals concerned. Never give medical advice unless you are a qualified veterinarian and let pet owners know exactly what to expect and what not to expect from your services. At the end of the day, honesty and customer service are key to a thriving business.

The field of veterinary medicine has advanced significantly in recent years. There are now veterinary cardiologists, veterinary neurologists and even veterinary cancer specialists. All that specialization has allowed many pets to live happier and longer lives, but it all comes at a cost.   The cost of veterinary care has risen almost as fast as the expertise of its practitioners. Many pet owners have found the cost of caring for their dogs and cats prohibitive, and some have even had to give up their beloved companions from lack of funds.   Pet insurance has attempted to fill the gap between financial means and veterinary costs. Buying a pet insurance policy can make a lot of sense, but it is important for shoppers to understand the pros and cons. These are some of the advantages pet insurance can provide:   .   Pet insurance provides you with peace of mind. The peace of mind alone can be enough reason to choose pet insurance. Many pet owners worry that they will not have the funds to care for their pets. Pet insurance can set their minds at ease.   .   Pet insurance lets you know your veterinary costs ahead of time. Budgeting for veterinary care can be difficult; you never know when your cat or dog will get sick or experience an accident. Pet insurance makes veterinary costs more predictable and easier to budget for.   .   Pet insurance could save the life of your pet. Many pet owners find themselves making the decision to euthanize based not on medical needs but financial costs. Having pet insurance could mean the difference between life and death for a beloved pet.   .   A growing number of vets now accept pet insurance. When pet insurance was first introduced, many old-school vets were reluctant to join the networks or accept the coverage. These days, however, a growing number of vets happily accept pet insurance and understand how it can help their clients.   Pet insurance may be useful, but it is certainly not a panacea. Here are some of the disadvantages of insuring your pet.   .   Pet insurance can be expensive. The cost of pet insurance can be quite high, especially in large cities where the cost of veterinary care is particularly high. Pet owners will need to determine if the peace of mind is worth the extra cost.   .   Some breeds may be difficult, or even impossible, to insure. It may be difficult to insure breeds with known genetic conditions and chronic conditions. Even if insurance is available, genetic defects are sometimes excluded from coverage.   .   You may have problems getting insurance for an older or ill pet. As your pet gets older, it may be harder to insure. The chance of illness rises with age, and that can make getting insurance more difficult. The same difficulty awaits pet owners whose cats and dogs are already ill.   .   The network of providers could be limited. Pet insurers work much the same as traditional health insurers. If the vet you normally use is not a network provider, you may face higher out-of-pocket costs or even claim denials.   .   Pet insurance may not cover routine care. Routine examinations and vaccinations may not be covered by pet insurance, so pet owners will need to budget for such items separately.   In the end, each pet owner will need to determine whether or not pet insurance is a good buy. Owners with sufficient financial resources may be willing to take the risk and go without insurance, while pet lovers with more limited bank accounts may be happier knowing the insurance is in place just in case.

By Gail Fero   Congratulations, you've decided on a cat! Though the decision might have seemed monumental, it was only the first of many decisions you'll have to make. Your cat's well-being is be up to you; there is training to consider, as well as toys, food and bedding. But one of the most controversial decisions you'll have to make is whether or not to declaw your cat. You may have heard horror stories about cats tearing up carpets or shredding the curtains with their claws. But before you jump into the decision to declaw, here are some facts for you to consider.   1.     Declawing can cause lasting problems for your cat physically. Pain is only the first of these problems as they also include nerve damage, lameness, infection, possible regrowth and bone spurs.   2.     Declawing is almost exclusively an American solution to cat scratching. Most other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and large swatches of Europe, have banned it as inhumane.   3.     The surgery, which many people believe to be simply removing the nails, involves much more than you might think. It not only removes the nail but also the bone up to the last knuckle, similar to cutting off a finger's last bone. This is not just a fancy, permanent manicure, but a proper surgery, sometimes referred to as an amputation.   4.     Declawing is the removal of a cat's first line of defense. For indoor cats, this can mean a greater dependence on their teeth, but for outdoor cats, this is endangerment. Once you've declawed a cat, they should stay indoors to stay safe from predators.   5.     For many cats who go through the surgery, there can be behavioral changes. Poor pain management afterwards can make your cat wary of using the litter box. They will also start marking their territory in this way as their claws are gone. Some become more aggressive and start biting more.   6.     Because the surgery to declaw is more akin to an amputation than a simple removal of the nails, cats must relearn how to walk. With the balance changed by the removal of a bone, cats can suffer back pain and often struggle with the new balance required.   7.     The procedure of declawing is not necessary, despite the horror stories you've heard. Just as a dog needs training, a cat needs training as well. They can learn where they can scratch and where they can't, and they need to learn to be amenable to nail trimming. If these don't work, there are soft nail caps you can have put over the nails to stop scratching for indoor cats.   Choosing to declaw your cat is a big decision. Before you make it, you should ensure that you have all the facts. Think about what this might mean for you and what it will definitely mean for your cat.

Congratulations on your new kitten!  Getting a kitten is an exciting time for your entire family.  As you may have already learned, caring for a kitten is an exercise in patience.  Not only do you have to work to care for your new pet, but kittens are full of boundless energy.  This means that you're going to need to play with her, too.  Fortunately, kittens are easy to please.  Here are six easy games to play with your kitten:   Ping-Pong Balls:   Ping-pong balls are a cheap and easy way to entertain any young cat.  Bounce the ball into walls, roll it under beds, and watch as your kitten dashes after it.  One fun activity involves putting your kitten and the ball into an empty bathtub.  The ball will bounce off the sides of the tub and work your kitten up into a fur-flying frenzy.   Paper Bags:   Cats love the sound of crinkling paper.  They also love to investigate enclosed spaces.  A paper bag provides the best of both worlds.  Put one on the floor and watch your kitten as she crawls over and inside it.  Try tapping your finger on the outside of the bag - she might try to catch it!   Puzzles:   With a puzzle game, you can help your kitten strengthen her growing brain.  Plastic balls with small holes in them are available at many pet shops.  Fill these toys with a few treats or kibble and see if your cat can figure out how to get the snack.  Show her how to do it by batting at the toy yourself if she can't figure it out.  Once she does figure it out, this is a game she'll love to play again and again.   Crumpled Paper Ball:   Something about paper drives cats wild.  Crumple some paper into a ball and roll it towards your kitten.  Chances are she will jump at it and start ripping it apart.  Just be sure not to let her eat any of it - some cats are notorious paper eaters.   Hide-And-Seek:   In the wild, cats will find a hiding place where they can wait and stalk their prey.  You can unleash your kitten's instincts with hide-and-seek games.  If you see your cat hiding under a sofa or chair, drag a toy nearby where she can just see it.  You'll both have a blast as she reaches out to try to catch it.   Mobile Games:   Who would have guessed that a cat could play a mobile game?  Although not all cats will respond to games on phones or tablets, some do.  You can download games specifically for cats.  Try downloading one of these apps and then putting your phone or tablet on the floor.  Many kittens will bat and swipe at the motions they see.  If she doesn't seem interested, try showing her a YouTube video or TV show.  Some cats can even become real couch potatoes.   Playing with your new kitten doesn't have to be difficult or expensive.  Kittens, as it turns out, love playing with almost anything.  So relax and try these six easy games to play with your kitten.  You and your new pet are both sure to find something that you both love!

Pets, like humans, are living longer and just like humans, their needs change over the years. When your cat was a kitten, his or her needs may have been few, but now that your cat has reached the twilight years, he or she is going to need greater consideration to ensure a good quality of life.   Why are cats living longer?   Cat food now has greater nutritional content with foods that are suited to individual conditions, such as coat maintenance, dental care and even obesity management. Veterinary care has also improved and there is the benefit of increased uptake of pet insurance that makes previously uneconomical medical treatments affordable.   When does a cat become elderly?   A cat is thought to be middle-aged when he or she reaches 7 or 8 years old. As cats age faster than humans, a cat can be considered elderly or senior when they reach 10 or 12 years.   Common symptoms of old age   Noticeable symptoms of old age in cats include a deterioration in the look and feel of the fur, with the coat becoming less glossy and threaded with white hairs. Skin is less elastic and there is slow but noticeable weight loss. In behavioral terms, an elderly cat will sleep more often and for longer, but may experience nocturnal wakefulness, when they prowl the house and yowl loudly. They may also have impaired eyesight and hearing.   Alternative toilet arrangements   An elderly cat will be slower on their feet than a younger animal, and so may feel vulnerable if required to urinate and defecate outside. It is, therefore, kind to place a litter tray inside the home for their use. Avoid trays that have high sides as an elderly cat may have difficulty lifting their legs due to arthritis.   Feeding and associated conditions   An elderly cat's diet requires less protein and more calorie content than a younger cat needs, so you may want to start your puss on a dry food that has been developed specifically for elderly cats. Hyperthyroidism is common in elderly cats; with this condition, the cat seems to eat constantly, yet lose weight. Weighing your cat frequently will enable you to keep an eye on their weight and register any sudden weight loss. Also keep an eye out for your cat drinking more than usual, as this can be a sign of kidney disease.   Grooming   Elderly cats will lose joint mobility and may, therefore, be unable to groom themselves as well as they once did. You can help them to groom by brushing them two or three times a week with a cat brush or comb. Remember to be gentle, as their bones will likely be quite prominent. An elderly cat is also not likely to use a scratching post often and this can result in claws growing long and curling under, possibly penetrating the soft pad of the paw. Keep an eye on claws and clip them when they grow too long, ensuring that you do not clip them too short and cause them to bleed.   Your elderly cat needs care and consideration to enjoy the longer life scientific developments have gifted them with. Making a few changes in your home and being extra vigilant regarding their feeding habits and behavior can alert to you any issues and help prevent these becoming problems.

Do you have more than one cat in your home? Cats are social creatures and will co-exist peacefully, but if several cats are competing for food, space and attention, you run the risk of putting your pets -- and yourself -- under stress. These tips will guide you in creating a calm environment for you and your cats.   1. Multiply your supplies Cats will often feel competitive if you only have one feeding station and litterbox in the home. The best thing to do is have one set of resources for each cat: two litterboxes if you have two cats, three feed and water bowls if you have three, and so on, but sometimes this is not practical. Set up one separate food and water source in another room, and this may help reduce stress in your cats.   2. Make hiding spaces Your pets will feel more at ease if they feel they can 'escape' -- even if it is only behind the sofa! Clear the spaces underneath tables, between large appliances and behind doors so that your cats can take time out if they feel threatened. They will prefer spaces beside high-traffic areas, where they feel sheltered but have a good view of what is going on.   3. Purchase cat calming products Feliway diffusers and sprays come highly recommended by veterinarians. You can purchase cheaper alternatives, but the originals do the job best. These products contain synthetic cat pheromones, sending peaceful and familiar signals into the cat's environment. Your cat uses his or her own pheromones when they rub their face against something they like, leaving behind a message that tells them: 'this is safe'. Use the sprays on blankets and new furniture, and plug in diffusers whenever you are redecorating or in high-tension rooms.   4. Check your room's scent Cats in particular have a very developed sense of smell and will respond to scents in their home. Check your cleaning products and make sure they do not smell too strong and that you use them sparingly -- have you recently switched to a new brand? Scented candles and oils can also cause discomfort. Cats particularly dislike orange, lemon, wintergreen and cinnamon. If you still wish to burn home scents, opt for lavender and chamomile, and check the products are as natural as possible with few chemicals. Consider switching out your cleaning products for natural, chemical-free alternatives such as lemon juice and vinegar.   5. Check for other cats If your cats appear nervous and skittish, they may be worried about other cats in their territory. Watch for telltale signs such as digging in flowerbeds, droppings and scratches on fences and furniture that might signal a new cat is visiting your garden. If your cats have never faced this kind of problem before they can become very alarmed. Unfortunately there is no way of repelling other cats from your garden without affecting your own pets' use of the space, but if you use male urine in a spray bottle -- as a last resort! -- and spray around garden boundaries and anywhere the felines may enter, it should dissuade unwanted cats from the area.   Cats should never be allowed to remain in a stressful environment for too long. Use these tips as a guide to make your home as pet-friendly and calm as possible.

One of the most common problems that veterinarians report seeing in cats is poor dental hygiene. Since you probably don't get that many opportunities to see your kitty's teeth, it can be easy to forget that they need care, and many cat owners go for years without ever addressing their pets' dental health. Unfortunately, many cats struggle with tooth decay and gum disease, and you might not always know if your feline friend is one of them. Left untreated for too long, dental issues can lead to much more serious health problems including heart disease and cancer. Here is a look at six steps you can take to care for you cat's teeth and ensure that they don't cause discomfort or other complications. 1. Take a Whiff - Have you always written off Fluffy's terrible breath as something that's unavoidable? In reality, cats shouldn't have bad breath as long as their teeth and gums are healthy. Obviously, kitties' mouths aren't likely to smell great all the time (especially after eating), but if you've noticed an extremely strong, lingering odor, then it's time to consider a trip to the vet. 2. Look Closely - As you spend time with your cat, there are likely to be plenty of opportunities to peek inside his mouth. Try to take a good look the next time catch your kitty meowing or yawning, and keep an eye out for common indicators of dental or periodontal disease, including swollen gums, bleeding, discolored teeth, or pus. 3. Watch Out for Hints - Cats tend to be very stoic animals, and many of them won't show any obvious signs that they are in pain from dental problems. It's important, therefore, for you to be a good detective, and watch out for any hints from your kitty that she might be having problems with her mouth. Slow eating or a decrease in appetite could both be signs that your cat is suffering from pain. She might also paw at her mouth often or struggle with excessive drooling.  4. Brush Teeth Regularly - The simplest way to prevent dental issues for your cat is to brush his teeth regularly. You may be wary about how your cat will react to home brushings, but you are much more likely to be successful if you ease your pet into the idea. Begin by spending some time touching Kitty's teeth and gums with a finger or some gauze dipped in chicken broth or tuna juice. Next, let your cat lick some treats off the toothbrush before switching to kitty toothpaste with a tempting flavour. Finally, you can try brushing gently, paying the closest attention to your cat's canines and molars. If you repeat this routine weekly, you should see a noticeable decrease in tartar buildup before long.  5. Dry Food and Dental Treats - While wet cat food will just coat Tiger's teeth with plaque-causing particles, dry food is hard enough that it should scrape away some of the tartar if your cat eats it often. You can also find dedicated dental chews at your local pet store in order to help clean your kitty's teeth without too much effort on your part. 6. Regular Cleanings - Just as people are supposed to make routine visits to the dentist, you should occasionally have the vet give your kitty a more thorough teeth cleaning. These procedures are performed under general anaesthesia and they typically include plaque removal, scaling, and fluoride treatment. Most cats only need professional cleanings a few times in their lives, but you should ask your vet what she recommends. Putting a little extra effort into caring for your kitty's teeth might seem like a big ordeal, but you'll be amazed how much it can help. You owe it to your cat to do everything you can to be a good owner, and maintaining Fluffy's oral health is just one part of the commitment you make when you adopt a feline pal.