This cat is a big cat lover’s cat. Although hugely popular outside of the state, these beautiful long-haired cats did actually originate in Maine. The seaports of the Colonies were breeding  ground for rats, and thus attracted heavy bodied and powerful short haired cats, that had come from European countries such as France and England. Back than cats were used for rat control on any ship crossing the Atlantic, and than most of them simply let loose. It was during the formative years that our new country began to see ships from the Baltic and Scandinavian areas, bringing with them, their own breed of cats. Though smaller, these cats had something that let them adapt to the harsh climate of the central seaboard states, they had unbelievable long hair. The current residence had no problem crossbreeding with these cats, and so began the evolution of the uniquely American breed, known as the Maine Coon Cat.        

For anyone who owns one, they are primarily known as a big cuddly, sweet, and an intelligent companion. Their evolution can be explained like that of any other pioneer. The thick weeds and bush of the New England countryside no doubt had something to do with its long, deep chested, rectangular body. Being able to fight the local carnivores, explains their incredible mass and strength. If you are just starting to consider them as a pet, the first thing you will notice is the 7-8 diameter furry tail, known as a brush. For those of you that are considering one for the first time you should know this. Although they have the look of a Persian, the Coon has no exotic wild-species bloodlines in them, and are at least 3-4 times the size of one. If there are young children you must also be made aware of the cat’s long  "saber-tooth" like teeth. Remember, though the modern Maine Coon is sweet and cuddly, its roots are still that of a hunter. With all that said, despite its size and strength the Maine Coon is for the most part  friendly, playful, and good with children.

A Gentle Giant
Guinness World Record Holder

As I have stated, the Maine Coon is one of the largest breeds of domestic cats. In 2006 a purebred named Leo was awarded “Longest Cat,” measuring 48 in(129cm) in length, from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail. Incidentally, he weighed 35 lb. or
(16 kg). Although his age is not stated, he would have been at least three or four, because the Coon doesn’t normally reach his full potential size until then. Before you get too excited, that by no means is anywhere near the normal size of a Maine Coon. On the average the male will weigh between 13 and 18 lbs. ( 5.9 and 8.2 kg) with females weighing between 8 and 12 lb. (3.6 and 5.4 kg). The height of the adult will also vary, 10 and 16 in (25 and 41 cm),
and length, including the tail, which can reach lengths of up to 14 in (36 cm), up to 40 in (100cm).

Can the Maine Coon Be Trained?
Intelligent But Stubborn

For anyone considering a Coon, or if you just recently acquired one, or you have one that is completely running the show, the answer is yes. If not controlled, it will turn your furniture into scratching posts, jump up wherever it chooses, and be so aggressive as to keeping friends and visitors away. Not to mention biting and clawing, to name just a few problems you’ll have if not properly trained.

There are all sorts of places you can go for help. If you are looking into professional breeders and trainers, make sure that they specialize in the Maine Coon. There are of course all sorts of Forums on the web that might be able to give you some guidance. In my research I came across someone that took a full-grown Coon and trained it. Boy, wouldn’t you like to have her help? Well, she has made her information available, and whether you are new to the breed or a seasoned veteran you will discover something new so that you can appreciate and live a great life with your wonderful cat. Of course I can’t go into everything that she will be able to help you with, but if you want to learn more about The Secrets of the Maine Coon, including a year of personal e-mail help, please go to: my RecomMANNdations

In the Pet Lovers section you also find out how to get rid of fleas, once and for all.

Post from: Pets Mall

Maine Coon Cat…Secrets Most Breeders Won’t Tell You

Along with the pampering of pets it is important that pets are taught how to behave correctly, to the benefit of owners, neighbours and other animals. Celebrity dog trainer, Steve Austin, from the Kramar Pet Company, recommends a range of pet products that can help you during the training process. These pet products include dog collars, cat collars, cat leads, dog leads, KraMar’s Supa Naturals Pet Treats, Wagwear dog apparel, and a large range of fun pet toys. KraMar manufacture and sell over 2 million collars and leads per annum, so they are the pet suppliers you can rely on as they know what they’re talking about. Also, all KraMar products are backed with a 100% unconditional guarantee.

All these pet products will help in your effort to train your furry friends to stop some of their worst habits, such as jumping up, barking, scratching, digging and more. Distract your dog with pet toys that are mentally stimulating, as most bad behaviors stem from boredom, says Steve Austin. At the first sign of scratching direct your cat to a scratching post so they know this is the spot for scratching. If they persist to claw the family furniture consider covering their main scratching spots with aluminium foil or double sided tape, as cats hate the feeling of both.

Post from: Pets Mall

Australia – A nation of pet lovers

Different type breeds of cats have different personalities. Some cats are quiet while others meowing all the time. Can you tolerate a cat meow almost every hour? Some cats are fussy and selective on the food you give them, while others eat almost anything. Can you afford the type of food your cat prefers? Some cats are not pet and being surrounded by strange people, while others exercise their claws if they are faced with someone they have not met before. Does your home or too many foreigners, are you alone most of the time? And some cats love to climb and buckle on the lap of their masters. But others prefer to be alone, watching television or listening to the radio. Are you the owner of a cat who loves to caress all the time?

You will know when your cat is trying to attract your attention. It is always you, or meow, you follow him around his body or rubbing against your leg. You can also find out if your cat is comfortable or scared by the lifting of your cat. If the body is tense, then something is scaring the daylights out of it.

Personality and breed of cats will determine if the cat decides to sleep. Some, like being in isolated places where nobody can disturb. They like to lie in the cupboards and similar places. Other breeds of cats like to sleep in places where everyone converges. So they sleep in the center of the home, in the middle of the stairs and even on the couch, especially when there are guests.

Claws of cats very sharp. It is their nature, similar to wild cats such as lions, tigers, leopards and cheetahs. This May irritate the owner, especially if the cat decided to sharpen its claws on the couch. May consider the owner to give the spade a scratching post.

Post from: Pets Mall

Temperament of Cats

Depends on the cat! 1 of mine uses it every day a few times a day as the mood strikes him. 1 uses it every once in a while. The other one has ruined all the furniture.

Maybe your cat is bored and you need to play with it more?

Take a look at it's paws/claws to make sure they look healthy, that the claws are not overgrown or look infected.

Maybe you know this since you've had foster cats....
Maybe you need to CAREFULLY clip her nails every couple of weeks. You have to NOT cut the quick(usually you can see pinkish flesh near the base of the nail/ blood vessels) so just clip the tips of the nails. I do it when my cats are sleepy and I do it with GOOD SUNLIGHT so I can clearly see their nails. Most cats don't like having their nails clipped. Be gentle, patient. Give her a treat after. Check out some websites, or have your vet show you how to do it.

Click The Blue Links Below For Scratching Post Deals

62 Cat Tree Condo Furniture Scratch Post Pet House B US $72.00

BRAND NEW CAT SRATCHING POST WITH SISAL ROPE US $8.99

Premium Quality 72 Cat Tree Condo Pet Furniture Scratching Post Pet House NEW US $49.89

72 CAT TREE CONDO FURNITURE SCRATCHING POST PET HOUSE US $109.95

3 Step Cat Tree Scratching Post w Toy Furniture Condo US $24.99

16 Cat Scratching Post Tree w Mouse Toy Scratch Pet Condo US $13.99

Cat Scratching Post Tree w Toy Scratch Condo Pet Furniture US $9.99

80 CAT TREE CONDO FURNITURE SCRATCHING POST PET HOUSE US $109.95

SmartCat Multi Level Cat Climber for Kittens or Cats US $49.99

Cat Scratching Post Natural Scratch US $5.00

GoPetClub F13 Cat Tree Bed Toy House Condo Furniture US $26.00

42 Cat Tree Condo House Scratching Post Kitty Kitten Furniture Scratchers US $39.95

70 Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F71 US $65.02

Scratching Cat Tree Post w Toy Ball Furniture Scratch US $13.99

NEW CAT KITTEN Pet Play Condo BED HOT PINK CAT HOUSE ROYAL MANSION Cat TENT US $49.99

New Cat Scratcher Kitty Cat Tree Condo Post Tower Toy Climber Pet Furniture US $10.50

★Cat Scratcher Scratching Post Cat Toy w Slant Board US $37.99

★ Cute Fish Shape Cat Tree Cat Scratcher Cat Scratching Post Cat Toy Cat Tower US $69.99

36 Cat Tree Condo Furniture Scratch Post Pet House 08B US $49.99

76 Cat Tree Condo Furniture Scratch Post Pet House 28B US $95.00

Cats are generally lovable animals until the time when they ruin your sofa and your carpet, no thanks to their scratching talent. How does one get rid of this irritating hobby called cat scratching?

Well, there is no remedy for your cats scratching mannerisms. In fact, cat experts discourage human from interfering with their scratching because it is already second nature to cats.

Scratching is inherent in cats as they were made to scratch. The rear paws of a cat were made for scratching.  As your cat grows, their claws also grow. Cats have to remove the sheath on their claws by scratching, so they can expose their new claws.

Remember that maxim "if you can't lick them, then join them"? This is especially true for cats. If you do not want further damage to your furniture, draperies or carpets, then encourage your cats to scratch - but not on your things. Instead, buy him his own scratching post.

Buying a scratching post for your cat will give them an outlet for their scratching urge. It will not only save your precious furniture but will also keep your cats happy.

Why do cats use a scratching post

A scratching post is used for: 1. Scratching to remove an outer layer of the cat's nails. 2. Cats also need to exercise and move their muscles by climbing on the post 3. The post is not only used for scratching but also for stretching because while trying to scratch himself, the cat will stretch his whole body towards the post. 4. Marking the post for territorial purposes. 5. Just for the fun of it.

Outdoor cats usually use wooden fences or objects for scratching, so a good scratching post would be one made of wood. A cat owner can get firewood or a log and convert it into a scratching post. Others who are still training their cats make do with the less expensive cardboard posts.

Since the primary use of the post is for the cats to sharpen their claws, the scratching post must be upright and steady. It should also be tall enough, or a half size more than the cat, to make sure your cat can stretch his whole body on the post. Much care should be placed in choosing the right post because if the cat feels it is not steady enough for him, then he might not use it and will revert to scratching your furniture.

About the Author:

For tips on fish facts and shark facts, visit the Animals Facts website.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Make a Scratch Post for Your Cat

Post from: Pets Mall

Scratching Post

New 47 Kitty Cat Tree Condo Post Cat Scratcher Tower Toy Pet Furniture W Tier US $75.00

New 473 Condo Cat Tree Pet Tower Furniture House Scratcher Bed Toy With Tunnel US $72.00

New Kitty Cat Scratcher 69 Cat Tree Condo Post Tower Toy Pet Furniture W Tier US $84.55

7 foot cat tree condo furniture gym KATIMANJARO Scratching post tower US $299.99

New Cat Scratcher Kitty Cat Tree Condo Post Tower Toy Climber Pet Furniture US $10.50

★ Cute Fish Shape Cat Tree Cat Scratcher Cat Scratching Post Cat Toy Cat Tower US $69.99

NEW PET SCRATCHING HEMP POST w CUTE MOUSE HEAD TOY US $9.99

MAKE A CONDO TOWER Do It Yourself 10 CAT TREE PLANS DIY 2 BONUS scratching post US $9.95

New Kitty Cat Tree Condo Post Cat Scratcher Tower Toy Climber Pet Furniture US $12.50

Double CAT furniture seat perch bed tower FREE shipping US $154.99

NEW CAT CRAFT 124070 1 STORY CONDO TOWER US $40.99

Single Story Cat Tower US $62.99

Cat Treehouse Tan by Munro US $491.00

Cat Treehouse Red by Munro US $491.00

Cat Treehouse Navy Blue by Munro US $491.00

Cat Treehouse Hunter Green by Munro US $491.00

Cat Treehouse Green by Munro US $491.00

Cat Treehouse Gray by Munro US $491.00

Cat Treehouse Cream by Munro US $491.00

Cat Treehouse Country Blue by Munro US $491.00

A little concern about my cat.?

I wasn't paying attention and don't know what really happen, but I was in the kitchen cooking when all of a sudden I heard a crash. My cat "Play Tower and Scratching Post" is right near my dresser draw (Sorry it's the only spot in my apartment I can put it.) I ran out of the bathroom and found everything on top of my draw on the floor and my cat running into the kitchen. I walked in the kitchen to see if he was okay as saw that he was licking his back paw. I called him and he came running and playing as if nothing was wrong, but when I picked him up I notice one of the toe nail on his paw was bleeding a little. I tried to look at it but he started kicking his leg and wouldn't let me near it. I'm a little concern because the nail on the paw looked a little bent or broken but I'm unsure since he won't let me near it. Whenever he's not eating. playing, or running around he licking this toe nail and I'm afraid something might be wrong. Should I take him to the vet or not really worry?

The nail sheath probably pulled loose, which hurts but there's not much you can do. It'll bleed for a while and the cat will probably use his teeth to pull it off the rest of the way. The paw will be sore till it grows another nail (think of it as you loosing a fingernail after smashing your finger in something).

It has happened to two of mine, one got his claw caught in the groove of two bars at the vet when he was in the cage and he pulled it off, the other one got his caught on something at home and it pulled off.

Don't touch the area. Any pressure or cold or warm water will hurt it. He'll handle it ok on his own. It'll fix itself.

From time to time, some residents that are represented by a Homeowners Association believe that they are being treated unfairly because of changes in the rules and regulations and because of breaches that they are accused of conducting. This report looks a lot closer at some of the most common HOA complaints which are placed about these non-profit organizations, and how you can get your voice heard if you have a HOA complaint to make.

You will be unsurprised to know that Homeowners Associations carry some structure, with many organizations boasting a Board of Directors that proceed to make executive decisions concerning the HOA's responsibilities. As rare as they are, HOA complaints about special treatment and preferential treatment have been reported in some areas, with some people arguing that there have been residents fined for an offense that another person was excused of.

In those cases where fines are imposed upon offenders, there are legal practices that a Homeowners Association has to conduct to ensure that the procedure is fair. One of the most notable practices is a grace period of a couple of weeks so any offenders can gather the funds to pay a fine or mend the violation they made if they have the opportunity to do so. Another complaint in the defense of the offending resident is this: that legal practice in place have not been followed.

Aside from legal difficulties, some people can have a problem with how a HOA is run in the neighborhood. Such HOA complaints can be because of the executives of an organization not taking comments on board.

You could gather that HomeOwners Associations have been seen to be an inconvenience for those who simply want to have an easy life in their community and the opportunity to do what they wish. If you believe that you are restricted because of an unfair rule like a vendetta on pets or a toilet-flushing ban, you have every entitlement to say so.

If you are scratching your head and you are wondering why Homeowners Associations are allowed to affect the quality of life of members of the community, one of the fundamental reasons could be because of this: on the most part, HOAs aren't regulated by an independent association. Despite this, you can have the assurance that this doesn't mean your hands are tied. With expert lawyers in the field of Homeowners Associations, the fact that you can obtain valuable advice on any issues you may face can be comforting.

Talking about any issues that you may have can be an excellent place to start - whether you choose to talk to a lawyer or a HOA member from another neighborhood is up to you. Just remember this: at the end of the day, these organizations are here to improve your quality of life and to ensure that your area has a decent profile and image. Unfortunately, HOA complaints are not rare. As long as you have the awareness to take action in any compromising situations you may experience, you should be fine.

Frank Williams is the best selling author of the HomeOwners Association Problem Survival Guide, a handy reference for those people that have an HOA Complaint. You can learn more about HomeOwners Association problems, or subscribe to his free course on how to resolve problems with your HOA at http://www.homeownersassociationproblems.com

Post from: Pets Mall

Scratching Post Tower

62 Cat Tree Condo Furniture Scratch Post Pet House B US $72.00

BRAND NEW CAT SRATCHING POST WITH SISAL ROPE US $8.99

Premium Quality 72 Cat Tree Condo Pet Furniture Scratching Post Pet House NEW US $49.89

72 CAT TREE CONDO FURNITURE SCRATCHING POST PET HOUSE US $109.95

3 Step Cat Tree Scratching Post w Toy Furniture Condo US $24.99

16 Cat Scratching Post Tree w Mouse Toy Scratch Pet Condo US $13.99

Cat Scratching Post Tree w Toy Scratch Condo Pet Furniture US $9.99

80 CAT TREE CONDO FURNITURE SCRATCHING POST PET HOUSE US $109.95

SmartCat Multi Level Cat Climber for Kittens or Cats US $49.99

Cat Scratching Post Natural Scratch US $5.00

GoPetClub F13 Cat Tree Bed Toy House Condo Furniture US $26.00

42 Cat Tree Condo House Scratching Post Kitty Kitten Furniture Scratchers US $39.95

70 Cat Tree House Condo Scratcher Post Furniture F71 US $65.02

Scratching Cat Tree Post w Toy Ball Furniture Scratch US $13.99

NEW CAT KITTEN Pet Play Condo BED HOT PINK CAT HOUSE ROYAL MANSION Cat TENT US $49.99

New Cat Scratcher Kitty Cat Tree Condo Post Tower Toy Climber Pet Furniture US $10.50

★Cat Scratcher Scratching Post Cat Toy w Slant Board US $37.99

★ Cute Fish Shape Cat Tree Cat Scratcher Cat Scratching Post Cat Toy Cat Tower US $69.99

36 Cat Tree Condo Furniture Scratch Post Pet House 08B US $49.99

76 Cat Tree Condo Furniture Scratch Post Pet House 28B US $95.00

Does your cat like Ikea Scratching post (BÄSTIS BLOND)?

I am thinking of getting an Ikea Cat Scratching Post (BÄSTIS BLOND). It looks good and it's wall mounted so it won't take much space... but I am worried if cats would like this cat tree. Does any of you have this product at home for your cats? Does your cats use it?

I don't have it but I'm looking at it online right now http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20112073

For the price ($89.99) it looks rather rickety. Not sure how a cat is expected to get to those higher shelves. I'd be afraid those wimpy shelves would break and the cat would fall. And this is coming from someone who's a total IKEA addict - my whole house is IKEA.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com and http://www.petedge.com have sturdier posts for around the same or less money.

Some cats are furniture diggers and some aren't. And if you've ever had the back of a chair or the arms of a sofa reduced to fringe, you know the galactic-level frustration of having one that is. Since scratching is an innate feline behavior, you're never going to put a complete stop to it. But there are ways to get cats to answer this call of nature in a way that doesn't destroy your property.

Be clear on two things: one, you're never going to get a cat to stop scratching. It's an innate behavior that serves a whole lot of feline purposes, from stretching to territorial marking. And two, punishment (hitting, shouting, etc.) is never, ever going to work. Cats just don't understand or respond to punishment. Trying to punish a cat out of undesirable behavior will almost certainly destroy your relationship with the cat, and may even exacerbate exactly the behavior you're trying to eradicate. For those of us who refuse to even consider declawing, the key to happy co-existence with furniture diggers is to make them understand that the furniture is off limits for scratching. Here are some ways to do that.

1. Give the cat an alternative by setting up a scratching post. There are lots of commercial scratching posts available, mostly some variation on a carpet-covered block. The design particulars aren't very important, but the post should be tall enough to give the cat a good stretch (28" - 30" or so) and it must be heavy enough to remain upright when being scratched. If it falls over on top of the cat every time he tries to use it (and yes, I once had one that did just that), it kind of defeats your purpose. I've tried many types of scratching posts and without a doubt, the one that got the most action was a big, flat-bottomed section of a huge log, about two feet high and a foot and a half wide.

Put your new scratching post right in front of whatever it is the cat has been scratching. Granted, a two-foot stump might not be exactly the perfect accent to your decor, but then neither is shredded upholstery. If the cat really likes it, you can always gradually move it to a less conspicuous place. If you meet with a lot of resistance, try rubbing it with catnip.

2. Go on the defense by covering the area that's being scratched with a material cats don't like. Wide smooth tape like postal strapping tape works well. Duct tape works too, but it looks almost as bad as the scratched upholstery. Or try covering the area with aluminum foil taped in place (looks REALLY awful, but can work wonders). If none of those coverings work, try covering the area with double-sided tape. Cats hate sticky surfaces.

3. Go on the offensive. If you can actually catch the cat in mid-dig, a quick shot with a water pistol or a spray bottle full of water is pretty effective. So is blowing a whistle or banging a tin pan. This is a tricky one, though, because point here is NOT to punish the cat, it's to make her associate scratching the furniture with something she isn't nuts about (water or loud noises).

Love the cat, but hate things like litter box problems and shredded furniture? With the right training techniques just about every form of cat misbehavior can be fixed! Can cats be trained? You bet they can! And the right kind of training can make you and your cat closer than ever! CLICK HERE to find out more about Complete Cat Training, and get a FREE cat training newsletter full of invaluable information and tips. Your cat will be glad you did ... and so will you!

Post from: Pets Mall

Cat Scratching Post