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The Pros and Cons of Frisky Felines. Dangers, Habits, Health & Problems   |
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There's alot of truth to the old saying: "..as curious as a cat" |
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  About Catsarticle by hkh When it comes to Cats, most are generally very people friendly unless they've been harmed or have never actually been in people's presence. There's alot to be said about their personalities and characters because by nature, they are affectionate companions. Cats are most certainly curious, perhaps even moreso than a dog, because like us, their curiousity teaches them about life as they grow and learn. As Small Kittens: they are full of play and have not developed a sense of perception with height or depth. So be watchful of them up until about 4 months old. Things happen. Kittens are easily provoked into play by "ANY basic type of moving object". This could mean a fly, right down to a catnip ball, which is why it is not good for children or adults to be purposely blinking one's eyes, for they may jump considering the action as an invite to pounce. Disciplining kittens can be something as simple as blowing on them with your breath. If they hap-hazardly jump up on your table and you want to teach your kitten this is wrong, lean over somewhat quickly and blow on them, even several times if you have to and keep a steady eye to eye contact. Do not look away! More than not, this works just fine. If not, remove the kitten putting it on the floor and tsk and shoo it away (don't play with them if they think this is an invite to play. If the kitten does it again, repeat the action and remember that like children, animals learn from repititon of action. If every time they get up on the table they are removed, they will learn not to go. Doors and Doorways: Kittens are fast and accidents happen all too often when a kitten tries to bolt and a door gets slammed to prevent the kitten from getting into another room or even outside. This attempt to get the door closed, often results in injuries, sometimes internally fatal, with results 48-72 hours later. The most common of injuries, is to the tail where consequently the tail has to be amputated or remains broken for a lifetime. (tails are important for body language and an animal's pride and especially their balance - if broken, body language is mis-read and their pride in status is declined or defeated. Their balance could be off to the point that that they injure themselves when jumping). So please watch out for kittens and doors. Internal injuries can be anything from a broken rib that punctured a lung, to a fatal bruising to the kidneys... Fire and Stoves: are extremely hazardous! While a kitten may not directly put it's face into a fire, it may get close enough to catch a shooting flame or coal that will instantly scourch and burn your pet. Stoves, draw an allure of food smells to childlike kittens, who out of curiousity and the want for a taste, will sometimes jump up on a stove and land on a hot burner... or knock over a pot that could not only injure the kitten but directly injure you or a passing child. Candles: are yet another allure for cats (and even dogs). In such cases, they could burn off their whiskers, eyelashes and worse yet, knock over a lit candle that could be the cause of a fire. So watch your pets around candles until they learn to stay away. Again, blow in their faces and shoo them away. Food and Leftovers: It's best not to leave food out, not on the stove, not on the counter or elsewhere, especially when defrosting meat or other. Cats are still animals and to "provoke" them with unattended food for any length of time (until they are 7-8 yrs old) is asking for trouble!
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| Water and Kittens: Often kittens drown in bathtubs, bird
feeders or even a simple bucket of water, just because their feet, can't
touch the bottom and keep their head above water. Because Kittens are curious, do not leave them alone in the bathroom where you've drawn yourself or child, a bath. A kitten will often walk along the side of the tub when the water is filling. Their curiousity and learning requirements, draw a kitten to the sound and transparency of the water. Small kittens, 3-4 months old, are still developing their balance and something as easy as reaching over to pat the water, could result in them losing their balance and falling in. Such a simple and innocent gesture, could end the kitten's life. It happens that fast. The last thing you want for yourself or for your child, is to come back to take a bath and find a drowned kitten. |
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