Tip: Kitty is Bored all cooped up inside

Because it´s cold outside, Kitty doesn´t get to go out as much, and now he is bored. You can take some simple measures to help him cope. Spend more time with your cat playing and giving him special attention. Buy him a couple of new toys. Keep the bird feeder full to attract birds for him to watch. Make certain the bird bath isn´t frozen over. Add a squirel feeder, also. These should give Kitty plenty of distraction until spring.

Tip: Observe while you exercise or commute

For those that run, jog, bike, or walk in their exercise program, or those that take the same route to work everyday, you can be a crucial link in stopping animal abuse or neglect. On your daily run or commute, check the animals on that route. Do they look sick, listless, or too thin? Does their overall quality of health seem to deteriorate over time? Do they have adequate shelter from the cold and heat? Do they have a constant source of water? All of these can be signs of abuse or neglect, and should be reported to your local authorities.

Tip: Alternative & Safe String

Everyone who has ever had a cat, knows that they love string. However, cats have a tendency to swallow string when it gets caught in the bristles of their tongue. A safer alternative to conventional string is the plastic ´lariat´ type of cording available at hobby stores. It is used in macrame projects. If you can´t find this, you can use any type of cord that is at least as big as a pencil. This will be large enough that your kitty won´t get it caught in his tongue bristles and swallow it. And be sure to keep your needlework in a secure container when you are not working on your project. If the idea of your kitten swallowing thread doesn´t make you tremble, think about that needle going down its throat as well!

Tip: Grocery Sack/Bag warning

Some cats have a fascination for grocery sacks. They love to crawl into them, push them around with their front feet; I´ve even had a cat that crawled inside a paper bag and took a nap when he got tired of playing with it.
If you allow your cats to play with plastic grocery bags, be sure to cut the handles so your kitty won´t get his head stuck and strangle himself. The same is true of large paper shopping bags from department stores.
Although I´ve never had any problems with my kitties playing with plastic bags, I still watch them closely to prevent them from getting trapped and suffocating inside the bag.

Tip: Minty Insect Repellants

Poisoning indoor bugs can poison your cats if they eat the bugs, so I use other means of ridding my home of insect pests. Since most insects have sensitive ´noses,´ they can´t tolerate certain strong herbs and spices. I purchased little clay scent pots that I fill with Essential Oils to emit smells for an extended amount of time. Pennyroyal and most members of the Mint family are some of the best insect repellents. I keep several bottles of these Essential oils in the house at all times, and continuously keep the Kitchen Garbage Can area filled with mint oil.

Tip: Antifreeze Warning

Not all pet owners know that antifreeze is a deadly poison to pets. What is frustrating, is that antifreeze smells and tastes good to most pets.
Take extra precautions when working with Antifreeze: collect it in a bucket to prevent it from running down the gutter. Mop up any spills immediately. Keep your pets contained while working with anitifreeze to prevent any accidental ingestion. Check the Links Section for Antifreeze Warning-by Dr. Allen Schoen for a MUST READ article that details the symptoms of antifreeze poisoning.

Tip: Candy can be poisonous!

Do not give candy to your kitty. It can be a fatal mistake! Chocolate, in particular, has several chemicals that are toxic to cats. Just a few ounces will kill a cat. If you want to treat your cat, feed him treats that are designed for cats and kittens.

Tip: Protect Your Black Cat

It is horrendous to think, but Black Cats are at great danger the week before Halloween (October 31.) Too many black cats been mutilated or killed to celebrate Halloween and they were not the ritual killings of some cult; they were the mindless pranks of cruel people.
If you own a black cat, or even a cat that is mostly black, keep it contained in the house or garage over night during the week before Halloween and especially Halloween night. This will protect Kitty´s life during a time when it is most vulnerable from human predators.

Tip: Protecting Kitty

When using herbal alternatives, research each herb thoroughly prior to placing it where your cat can get into it (keeping in mind that there is very little a cat cannot get into if they are determined enough). By using an herbal remedy without knowing the pertinent facts, you could inadvertently injure your cat. Speak to your veterinarian about any herbal remedies you would like to try for pest control or as holistic healing techniques for your cat.