The CatGenie is the closest thing to a flush toilet that your kitty is ever going to get. It actually plugs in and hooks up to a water line for a complete kitty sanitation system! It comes with its own plastic granules so you never have to buy litter again BUT if you need to replace any you only have one choice on who to buy them from.
Pros:

• Users report close to zero incidences of malfunction, this is an extremely high quality piece of equipment
• Washes itself
• No more buying litter which could actually make the total cost of ownership of this expensive machine lower than a traditional litter box

Cons:

• Cats might have a long adjustment period
• Requires hookup to electricity and running water
• Pellets tend to scatter

More Real User Feedback

I bought a CatGenie last week. It came yesterday, and I couldn’t believe how *EASY* it was to install. Took me more time to take it out of the packaging. I can see a little bowl warp (shipping?), but it still seems to work. I was amazed at how easy it was. I mean, I had it assembled, before I even opened the manual.

The Cat Genie has worked admirably for about 10 days, amazing me, the cat (and dogs), my family, and our guests. I’ve resisted the urge to drag unsuspecting strangers in off the street. I am thrilled to say this thing does everything I’d hoped. I researched every automatic litter box on the market and when I encountered CG, my first reaction was it was so ingenious I was jealous I didn’t invent it. I still am.

It’s been about three months and my admiration and appreciation for the CG has only grown. I’m on my second cartridge and have had to top off the litter once. Yes, there were some gross splatters the time we messed with Abby’s diet, and there’ve been some stubborn cling-ons on the scoop and chute, but nothing that some spot cleaning with a sponge or paper towel couldn’t handle. Basically, the CG does what I was told it would everyday without fail. Oh that all the gadgets in my life were so true to their promise!

I went out of town for almost 2 weeks and had a friend come every day to play with my two cats and check on things. I replaced the cartridge right before I left so they wouldn’t have to deal with the beeping. I ran the box on automatic 3 times a day and it worked great. The only thing my friend had to do for the cat genie was clean up some scattered pellets!

You can buy this Item at Amazon.com by clicking the following link:

Popularity: 15% [?]

This thing looks like it belongs more on the Jetsons, less in your bathroom but is the absolute top of the line best when it comes to never having to scoop your litterbox again. Yes this contraption costs three hundred bucks but cmon can you really put a price on not having to deal with cat poop?

Pros:

• Empties litter into drawer with the push of a button
• Can be put on a timer so that it works at night while you sleep
• Uses much less litter than a normal box which helps to offset the high cost

Cons:

• Perforated holes allow stinky smells to escape
• Machine is large

More Real User Feedback

The construction of the LR (LitterRobot) is very nice. The motor that is used is pretty durable, and if it does go and you are handy at all it wouldnt be hard to replace.

We’ve had our Litter Robot for over six months now and it still works like the day it arrived. Beau and Sunny (males) both appreciate it’s cleanliness and right-on-schedule cycle 7 minutes after they go.

I have had mine for 2 years and 4 months. I have 4 cats, 2 of which are quite large, about 18 pounds. After about a year, the control unit failed and it was fixed under warranty. It took about 2 weeks for it to be returned and I tell you, we really missed it! There have been no problems since.

It is double or triple the price of competitors and worth every penny.

When you can leave it for 2 weeks without touching it, and it is always clean.. it is worth it.

My impression of the bot seems like it’s well made, and definitely works as advertised. Even though it’s only been a week, I have never even caught so much as a whiff of any cat urine or feces (the unit is currently in the living room but will be moved onto the screen porch when the cat door arrives). I refuse to have that “cat” smell in the house, and so far so good. The cat is nice enough to dig a hole, do her business and then cover it up–so I consider myself lucky.

You can buy this Item at Amazon.com using the following link:

Popularity: 17% [?]

Popularity: 37% [?]

Bringing home a new kitten is exciting. Be sure that you prepare your home with the essentials before picking up your new arrival. Here are the top 8 must haves.

1) Bed

Kittens are happy just about with anything soft and cushy. You can get a fancy bed, but even a soft pillow in a box will suffice. Small beds aren’t that much, but make sure it’s one that you can wash if you do choose to buy one.

2) Food & Water Dishes

If you only have one kitten at home a couple small, shallow bowls will work fine. Be sure the water bowl is sturdy enough that it won’t tip over. Clean them regularly. Water bowls tend to start building up residue around the sides. Make sure they have fresh water to drink at all times.

3) Brush and Comb

For a long haired kitten you can use a long toothed metal comb and a brush. They should be brushed at least once a day to help keep their fur free of mats. For short haired kittens a bristle brush will work. You don’t have to brush them as often, but it’s good to keep brushed regularly. Be sure to start this while they are young so they get used to it.

4) Carrier

A carrier is important to have right away since you will be taking your new kitten in to the vet for check ups and shots. Any kind is fine as long as it is ventalated and large enough for them to move around. Throw something soft in it for them to lay down in. Don’t let your kitten loose in the car because they can climb all over the place, under your feet, around your neck, or even up on the dashboard which is unsafe.

5) Litter Box, Litter, Scooper & Mat

The litter box needs to be kept clean and fresh litter should be added regularly. A mat or piece of carpet placed outside the box is recommended to catch the loose litter they may have in their paws while exiting their box. If you have dogs keep the litter box out of their reach since some dogs will eat the kittens fecies.

6) Collar with Name Tag

Even if your kitten is strictly indoors it is still good to have a collar with their name and your phone number on a tag. You never know when it might sneak out the door and get outside. Get them used to wearing one while they are young.

7) Scratching Post

A kitten uses the scratching post more for exercise than it does to sharpen it’s claws. They like to stretch out while clawing down their post so make sure that it is tall enough for them to do so. They come in all shapes and sizes. You can get one that they can climb up or one that is simply a post with carpet or rope wrapped around it.

Toys

Toys are a must as kittens as they love to play. Just be sure they are strong toys and can’t be torn apart or swallowed. Kittens love mice, catnip, boxes to climb in, balls, etc. A ball or a soft mouse hanging from a string off a door is always a favorite.

Popularity: 20% [?]

Having your cat urinating all over your home can be extremely troublesome. Especially when it happens after you thought you had successfully litter trained your cat. Rather than getting angry, it may be more appropriate for you to be worried. You should strongly consider taking kitty for a check-up at the vet. There are a number of diseases which can cause your cat to suddenly start urinating uncontrollably. One of these diseases is a urinary tract infection which could be potentially fatal if left untreated. As a matter of fact, any sudden change in kitty’s behavior merits a visit to the vet, just in case.

While kitty peeing outside the litter box is an obvious clue, you should also be on alert about your cat’s urination habits. If you notice kitty making more trips to the litter box than normal, or releasing a greater than usual volume of urine, or its urine having a different smell, etc, all these are warning signs of illness. If you truly love your cat, then you need to be vigilant about its health.

Once ill health has been ruled out, you need to look into environmental factors. The most obvious one is moving house. There are one or two cat owners who somehow failed to realize that their cats became confused and could not find the litter box in their new homes. Or simply did not like the new location of the litter box. In any case, if you move house, be prepared to litter train your cat all over again.

Any number of factors could cause stress to your cat and cause it to urinate away from its litter box, even something as subtle as a change in your working schedule. On the one hand, this is rather inconvenient to you. On the other hand, a part of me would be happy, because this shows that kitty misses me and cares about me. It’s nice to know that you are more than just the person who fills kitty’s food dish, isn’t it? Anyway, if you cannot remove the cause of kitty’s stress, you will just have to toilet train your cat again. Besides this, you may want to learn cat massage. Just like for humans, massage can soothe away some of your cats’s stress. If all else fails, you may need to get a something from your vet to help soothe kitty. However, I strongly advise against aromatherapy or the use of massage oils unless your vet can recommend a safe brand. Cats are often sensitive to such oils and scents. There have been cases of poisoning reported.

Something that few people think about is the litter. Just because you still buy the same brand does not mean the manufacturer is still making the litter exactly the same. There could be major or even just minor changes to the final end product, and it could be noticeable to your cat. Remember that its sense of touch and smell is much better than yours.

The problem could even be the litter box. Are your cat still using the same litter box as when it was a kitten? Or has your cat grown old… You may need to try a different-sized litter box.

Did I mention that smell is important? Did you change the cleaner you used to wash the litter box? Are you cleaning the area around the litter box with a different cleaner? Perhaps kitty hates the smell of the new cleaning product and that is why it is urinating elsewhere. Or did you use a different cleaning product for your house. The new cleaner could be confusing kitty.

Your cat is a sensitive creature of habit. First, you need to eliminate health problems as the cause of your cat’s urination problem. After that, it takes time and patience and loving care to investigate the cause of the problem. A case study published by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (JAVMA, Vol 224, No. 10, May 15, 2004) reported that they took several years to resolve the problem. Partly it was because the cat in question had health problems. The vet needed to try different medications which would both clear up the medical conditions as well as not cause the cat to urinate uncontrollably. At the same time, there was no stability in the home environment. The owner got a divorce, and found a new boyfriend. And apparently some stray cats moved into the neighborhood.

Popularity: 29% [?]

For cat owners, learning how to remove cat urine is something that’s important to learn. As we all know, the odor and stains from cat urine can be overwhelming at times and getting rid of the cat is certainly not an option. You can try your best to train your cat to use the litter box, but the truth of the matter is that cats have a mind of their own sometimes.

When cats age they start to have more accidents and can’t help it. Unfortunately as they age their kidney function also reduces causing their urine odor to be especially potent. If you rent your current home it very important that you remove all of the cat urine before you move out or you could end up with a big bill for cleaning. Finding a permanent solution to cleaning cat urine is important. Of course you could call a professional to clean your flooring and furniture each time your cat has an accident but of course this is not practical. If your cat had just one accident per week, this could really add up to a lot of money.

If you own your home it’s equally important that you keep your home free of cat urine odors and stains. If ever you want to sell your home, there’s no guarantee that a prospective buyer is going to be tolerant of your cat urine issues. If they are not cat owners they certainly will not understand why your home smells of cat urine. Professional cleaning is quite expensive and unless you have money to spare, this is most likely not an option for you.

What you really need is a lasting solution to your cat urine issues. Even though your cat thinks that they run your house, you can’t allow the cat urine issues to take control. You can have a nice home, free of cat urine stains or odors.

Popularity: 16% [?]

Volunteering with the local animal shelter and the rescue groups, I have sadly come across orphaned kittens more than I want to think about.

The kittens have ranged in minutes in age on up. Depending on exactly how old they are, the first thing I do is start with an anti-bacterial bath. It is good to get whatever they might have on them OFF! This is especially important when getting them from the shelter. If they are newborns, I wait until they are a bit older.

Always keep the kitten warm and dry using licking like rubs. Have you ever watched a mama cat clean her babies? I try to intimidate the same process. Small strokes over and over again even around the face. I do this quite often throughout their growing stages. Not necessarily the bath but the cleaning process. And this can be replaced using a damp warm rag.

Most important is feeding them.

The formula is very simple and cheaper and healthier than buying pre-made mixes.

1 can of evaporated milk 2 small jars of meat baby food (stage 2) 1 plain yogurt 2 egg yolks 1 T of Karol syrup Mix all together and add enough water to make 1 quart.

Depending on the age of the kittens they will need to be feed every 2 hours. But like any mother will tell you eventually you can get them to sleep through the night and feed first thing in the morning and regularly throughout the day.

I actually use a surrogate mama cat that happens to be one of my own. She didn’t start out that way. She was my first pregnant foster mom from the shelter. She is like 100 years old, rotten teeth and not exactly what I call eye candy. Even though she does not have milk, she tends to all of the other needs like bathing, and trust me, the first time you notice the mom cleans the hineys of the babies you might re-think using one too. But if this is not an option for you here are a few other tips:

· They need their mama, and in this case that is you! So be there.

· Carry them around, especially when very young inside your shirt next to your skin, let them feel you and smell you. Keep them warm.

· Clean and sterilize your hands in between other pets in the home. You do not want sick babies! And remember to even have clean clothing when being around them.

· If you do have a sick kitten, it is very important to see your vet

· I used a bottle so that my kittens got to experience the sucking just like mom. But in some cases a small syringe will do the trick.

· Use a damp paper towel to “lick” the back ends and tummies of the kittens to stimulate the potting process. Do this after every meal.

· At about 4 weeks, you can introduce kitten food and the litter box. Use unscented, un-clumping brand. Your kitten’s health depends on it. You do not want them to lick anything with too many chemicals in it.

I loved the changes that occur right down to watching them learn to walk, and soon explore my home.

If you want to experience kittens, instead of allowing your cat to have kittens, foster a pregnant mom from the shelter. There is no short supply of them unfortunately. And they are happy to move them out to a safer, cleaner atmosphere. Not that our shelter is by any means, not clean. But you have animals coming and going. And you don’t know anything about them or what they are bringing in to the shelter.

Most of all enjoy the process. They will be excited to see you. And before long you will be saying goodbye to your babies as they find their first real forever home.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Animal shelters bear the consequences of reckless breeding practices, the failure of pet owners to responsibly spay and neuter their pets and the heart-wrenching acts of neglect and abuse. In addition, abandoned pets and strays are taken in at a rate that often exhausts the capacity of the shelter. Reputable animal shelters deserve our attention and financial support.

It is advantageous for a cat lover to adopt a pet from a shelter. Shelters offer a wide array of companion pets for all sorts of individuals and families. While animals receive adequate care in a shelter, nothing compares to the everyday comforts of a warm and loving home.

Adopting a cat at a shelter is the best possible way of ensuring the mutual satisfaction and love that both the pet owner and the pet deserve. In addition, cats in shelters have developed personalities that allow a person to more accurately choose one that will best suit one’s lifestyle. It’s tempting to want to start with a kitten. However, in addition to the unexpected inconvenience, chores and energy of dealing with a kitten, there’s no guarantee that the ultimate personality will suit your lifestyle or home situation. Contrary to your first inclination, kittens are not the best choice for young children. A cat that is at least one year-old offers the best chance of giving a young child a positive experience with their first pet. Mature cats are much easier to care for, and more predictable in their behavior. Shelter workers are genuinely interested in helping you find the right cat for your personality, demeanor and home situation, and will assist in helping you make a wise decision and investment.

Adopting your cat from a shelter is also substantially more economical. A majority of shelter cats are of a mixed-breed, without the inherited health issues many times associated with particular full breed cats. Shelter cats are usually spayed, neutered and vaccinated. Special discounts are often available for spay or neuter programs if your cat is adopted at a young age. You can also adopt a set of cats that have bonded, or litter mates at a lower price. This is often a very rewarding experience that enhances the quality of life for the cats, as well as the companionship one ultimately enjoys. The price of adoption can vary. Certain shelters ask for approximately $100 for a cat, but it can be substantially less. In addition to spay and neutering, the adoption fee from a reputable shelter will usually include vaccinations for distemper and testing for both feline AIDS and feline leukemia. The average cost for feline AIDS and leukemia treatment is $45-$75 for each disease. Spaying or neutering can run up a bill of $45-$90 and vaccinations typically cost $150-$300. Adopting a cat from a shelter not only relieves the burden of overcrowding that many shelters experience, but it’s obviously the more cost effective choice.

If one is insistent about a particular breed, the selection at a shelter includes most every breed at one time or another. In addition, there are many organizations that specialize in the rescue and adoption of specific breeds. Most of these can be located online or by referral of your local shelter. The employees and volunteers of the shelter want what’s best for the cat and will work together to help you find the best possible match.

Shelters are in special need during the spring and early fall seasons. These are the breeding seasons, and shelters are generally overrun with kittens that need homes. If you’re an experienced cat owner, capable of the responsible ownership of a kitten, and committed to the life-long care of a cat of uncertain personality and health, a kitten can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience.

To locate an adoption center in your area, check your phonebook or with a local veterinarian; or contact the Humane Association of the United States. Millions of cats who do not get adopted are humanely euthanized annually in the United States. By taking a feline companion into your home, you will be saving a life, and making room for other cats to have a chance of living a full life in a nurturing environment.

Remember: pet ownership is a life commitment. Consider the long-term care and expenses of the cat, and be willing to accept the difficult times as well as the memorable experiences and priceless companionship your cat will return to you.

Finally, support local and national shelters as well as the many organizations that provide badly needed services and ensure the humane treatment of our valuable animal friends.

Cat ownership is a serious decision. Taking an animal into your care will require knowledge, cat nutrition and the the proper supplies

Popularity: 21% [?]

Origins :

Almost certainly traces its ancestry from the African Wild Cat Felis Lybia Ocreata. More recently It was known they were being bred in continental Europe before the 2nd World War.. however by the end of the war few remained and they were close to extinction. They were rescued by a Russian Princess by the name of Nathalie Troubletsky. When emigrating to USA from Italy she took a few cats of Italian and Egyptian Origin. Subsequently, the line was developed in North America. This breed arrived in the UK in 1998.There was another line of cats called “Egyptian Mau” that was bred in the UK, but the two should not be confused. This second line was bred from Siamese cats and is now officially called Spotted Tabbies.

Physical Appearance:

This is a a medium sized cat, very elegant in its stance and has a striking resemblance to cats in ancient Egyptian art. They have an exotic spotted pattern to their coats and what is often describes as a “worried facial expression”. They are defined by their large gooseberry green eyes and they should have an “M” pattern in their fur over their forehead. There are three colours: Silver; Bronze; and Smoke (or jet black).

Personality:

The Egyptian Mau is an intelligent cat. He is quick to learn where his food and toys are kept and how to open doors etc. They adore toys and enjoy playing fetch. They are an intensely social animal, get on well with other cats and bond well with people.

Availability:

This breed is rare and records suggest only 500 kittens are born worldwide a year. They are very rare in Britain and if you want one there is likely to be a long waiting list. Claim to Fame:The Egyptian Mau is said to have the fastest reflexes of all cats.

Popularity: 91% [?]

Popularity: 25% [?]