Was there ever a doubt? Cats talk to us, and the more effort we put in understanding our feline companions, the better chance we will have for a harmonious and close relationship.

 

 

 

There are so many fascinating ways that cats communicate with each other and with us. Mild and controlled signs of body language such as a flick of the tail, or the slightest movement of the ears, send messages that are worth a thousand words to another cat.

 

 

 

Cats make a variety of sounds that have been given colorful and descriptive names. Their purpose can range from expressing contentment to a call for help, from solicitation of food or companionship, to a bloodcurdling expression of stark terror.

 

To learn more about cat talk and body language click here and here.

 

When you look at what cats do in the wild, it becomes obvious why they need to play. They sleep as much as 16 hours per day, and when they're awake, they need the action and hunt-performance, that play makes possible.

Play time provides exercise, release of anxiety and boredom, and it enables bonding with another cat, or other animals in the home. It is a vital part of any feline's life, as walking is to any dog's wellbeing.

 

For Litter box positioning and care return to our *After You Adopt* page.

 

 

 

Spaying/Neutering is essential to keeping our cats healthy, happy, and plays a vital part in curbing pet overpopulation. Approximately 7,6 companion animals enter shelters nationwide. Of those, approximately 3,9 million are dogs and 3,4 million are cats, Each year around 2,7 million animals are killed in those shelters.

1,2 million are dogs and 1,4 million are cats.

 

To learn more about the benefits and importance of Spaying/Neutering click here.

 

 

*All ECC cats are already fixed, vaccinated, had their stool analyzed, and have been tested for FIV/FELV. Most of the cats are microchipped as well*

 

                                                                    -The Natural Cat and Catification.

 

 

The most important thing to discuss when talking about cat's health is their diet.

While most of us at ECC are VEGAN, and would love for our cat children would join us in the lifestyle, we understand that cats are Obligate Carnivores. They are equipped with strong jaws and sharp teeth that are made for ripping and tearing meat, and crunching through the pliable raw bones of small animals. They have strong stomach acids, as well as shortest digestive tract compared to body size of almost any mammal, that are made to efficiently process raw meats and bone material.

 

Sadly, the popular feline diet of today is cooked, over-processed canned and kibbled products, that eventually leads to significant health complications. Switching to feeding caloric and nutrient sufficient raw foods, will help improve feline digestion, improve overall heath. It has been knows to eliminates 'kitty breath', and gives psychological and physical stimulation that increases vitality, while positively influencing your pet’s overall quality of life.

To read more about the benefits of raw foods click here, and to learn how to make it click here. Also, to further educate yourself on feline biology, and study cat's natural environment, and why cats are an obligate carnivores, see this article.

Introducing a Cat to a Dog

Introducing 2 Cats to each other

 

 

 

 

Before bringing your new fur-child home, outfit your home with all the supplies you could possibly need. This means water and food bowls, litter box and litter, scratching post, cat beds, some interactive cat toys, and most importantly, screens on your windows. Good idea is also to brush up on ways of keeping your cat stress-free and happy. Here is a good article on the topic.

 

 

The first thing you will need to know is that most cats hate to travel. For the trip home, confine the cat in a sturdy cat carrier. Don't leave him/her loose in your car, where he/she might panic and cause an accident, or get out when you open the car door. The cat may yowl and cry, and try to get out of the carrier, but don't give in.

 

 

After the ride home, the cat will, most likely, not be in the mood for fun. To make the transition to your household as comfortable as possible, select a quiet, closed-in area, such as your bedroom or a small room away from the main foot traffic, and provide the cat with a litter box, food and water, toys, and a scratching post.

Let your new cat child become acquainted with that limited area for the first 3-5 days. Be sure to spend plenty of time with the cat in that room, but if he/she is hiding under the bed, don't force the cat to come out. If necessary, sit on the floor to talk to the cat and offer treats. Let the cat sniff all your belongings and investigate all the hiding places.

Your new buddy may be full of self-confidence and itching to get out and make it known he/she is home, or more time and a gradual transition may be what's needed.

 

 

Over a few days, slowly help your cat become familiar with the rest of the family, including other animals, and household members. Make sure the cat always has access to "his/her" room so he/she can retreat to it when nervous. It might take a while, but all cats will eventually start to feel like they are home. Regular feeding and playing routine always helps, as well as keeping yourself on their level. Kneeling, or laying down is far less intimidating then hovering over them.

To learn more about what your cat is telling you, as well as to pick up a few tricks in order to make your cat more comfortable, click here. And to read about the importance of regular vet visits, see here.

Introducing a Cat to a Child

Habibi

Moxie

More soon to come...