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The Scottish Fold, and its long-haired cousin, the Highland Fold, are two of the more unusual looking cat breeds out there. The “Fold” in the name comes from their folded ears. As kittens, they have normal ears, but by two to three weeks old, their ears begin to fold forward. The ears fold to varying degrees depending on the cat, and for some not at all, and the fold becomes permanent. They look a bit like owls, and a bit like angry cats.

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There are many dangers to your kitty lurking in your home at any time of the year. Here are some Christmas and New Years hazards to watch out for.

1. Plants. Holly, lillies, mistletoe, and other holiday plants are toxic to cats. Unless you are absolutely sure your kitty will not nibble on the leaves, keep these out of your home.

2. Ribbons. Do not tie a bow around your cat’s neck. It may look cute, but she could easily choke if it gets hooked on something and she panics.

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So, you have decided to travel with your cat after all. Sometimes, it may be unavoidable, like when moving, for instance. If you must take your cat with you on a road trip, keep these things in mind.

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If you are considering taking your cat on your next adventure, think again. Cats hate to be removed from their territory. You may feel guilty about leaving him at home, but he will be much happier that way.

For one or two days away, your cat should be fine alone as long as you leave him plenty of food and water. If you will be gone longer, there are several options. If you have a reliable friend, family member, or neighbor, who loves your cat, ask them to stop over every day or every other day to feed and play with your cat.

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Many new cat owners will struggle with the decision to allow their new pet outside. Mosts shelters and certainly the Humane Society and the ASPCA insist that your newly adopted cat remain indoors. There are many reasons for this insistence. Several dangers to cats lurk outside your safe interior.

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Ever wonder what your cat is thinking? Or trying to tell you? I know when my cats want food. Following me when I walk into the kitchen, shouting when I try to leave the kitchen. These signs are pretty obvious. But what about more general behaviors? How do you know when your cat is scared, angry, unhappy, or playful?

Body language is everything in determining the emotions of your cat. A curious cat appears relaxed, yet intent on something. His eyes are wide open and his little nose is sniffing away.

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During a summer that I was blessed with two fertile female felines and nineteen kittens, I discovered Nutro Kitten as one of the options at my local Petsmart.Feeding cats–particularly kittens–a higher priced quality dry cat food will cut down on the odor from the litter box. I found out by experience.

I had given the kittens Friskies dry food, and the reduction in odor was definitely noticeable when the food change worked its way through the little ones system’s. The stuff still stinks, but not quite so intensely. The back of the cat food bag says “Guaranteed to Reduce Litter Box Odor”–”Complete Satisfaction or Your Money Back”. Even with all the cat box cleaning I’ve done this year, Nutro is one of my top picks for digested remains.

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Bob Barker always told us to neuter or spay our pets. Generally, that is a good idea. Overpopulation of stray dogs and cats is a serious problem. They suffer out there on the cold and hungry streets. They can get hurt easily and may not be rescued or taken to a vet. Caring for strays becomes an economic burden. Shelters can’t keep up and euthanizing animals is a common option. But, does your own cat need to be neutered or spayed?

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Ringworm is a fungal infection that attacks the skin and is fairly common in cats.  Spores from Mircrosporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes can cause ringworm.  These fungi release their spores, which can then travel through the air and often end up in the soil.

Watch your cat regularly for symptoms of ringworm, which include excessive scratching and circular patches of hair loss.  The skin around the ring is usually scaly, dry, and raised up. 

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