LISTEN TO YOUR CAT!

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Pet Sitting in Phoenix, Arizona
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Dogs, Cats and Household Pets
Providing quality affordable pet sitting for your dog, cat, and household pets.  "Love Your Pets Too" is family owned and operated since 2004.  We are qualified, professional pet sitters, bonded, insured and certified.  We offer Daily Visits, Live-In, Work Breaks and Overnights in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Tolleson, Avondale, Goodyear, Scottsdale, Laveen & Litchfield Park, Arizona.

We're affordable too, see our "Services and Rates" page for a list of prices and services we provide.
 Also, see our "Client Comments" for ratings and reviews on our pet sitting services.

Check out our web site for more pet tips.
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UNDERSTANDING FELINE BODY LANGUAGE Aggression is expressed with erect ears, constricted pupils and tail swings in low arcs close to the body. A defensive cat crouches in a cringing position with her eyes averted and ears flat and thumps the top of her tail on the ground. A happy cat relaxes her whiskers, perks up her ears and holds her head and tail high in the air. AHS: Understanding Feline Body Language Rev. January 9, 2007

Legs

Tail

The tail is one of the best barometers of feline mood. A still, raised tail means a friendly greeting. A sudden whip of the tail shows a threat of impending attack. The highly excited cat waves her tail from side to side in jerky, rapid motions. The top of a tail moving means slight dissatisfaction or impatience. A relaxed cat allows the tail to hang straight down. A tail held straight out behind indicates caution. The top ships back and forth in moments of great excitement.

Hair

When the cat is afraid, the hair on her body stands erect, fairly evenly all over the body. A cat who is ready to attack or trying to threaten will raise its hair in a narrow strip all along the spine and the tail. In this mood the hair will incline slightly toward the middle of both sides, forming a sharp ridge.

Facial Expressions

Happy Angry Frightened Playful Content

Cheek Ruff

The cheek muscles pull the cheek ruff downward and toward the throat during excitement or expectation mixed with fear. A pulsing rhythm is sometimes present. This is easy to see in cats with prominent cheek ruffs, such as those with Persian ancestry.

Ears

Ears pointed forward can convey friendly interest and different degrees of attentiveness or suspense. Ears that are pricked up and turned slightly backward indicate a warning that an attack is contemplated. Ears that are raised and twisted back combined with hissing mean that a cat is ready to attack. Ears fully erect but furled back indicate anger.

AHS: Understanding Feline Body Language Rev. January 9, 2007 AHS: Understanding Feline Body Language Rev. January 9, 2007

A frightened cat lays the ears down flat. Ears that are bent back and drawn down sideways can signal a defensive attitude, fear or readiness to take flight. A cat playing or hunting will hold the ears open, erect and slightly forward.

Lips

Movements of the lips are usually combined with some type of sound. The grimace is a response to certain smalls. The mouth is slightly open, with the nose and upper lip drawn upward expressing displeasure or disgust. The mouth is open very slightly and the nose is barely wrinkled. Another lip gesture is embarrassment. The mouth may stay open or closed, with the lips drawn back and not too far upward. The nose is not wrinkled. At the same time the head will swing slowly from side to side. This gesture expresses friendly rejection to another cat approaching with friendly intentions, and translated means "please be kind and leave me alone."

Pupils

Narrowed pupils may indicate aggressive threat, tension or a heightened interest. Surprise, fear and a defensive attitude are expressed by dilated pupils. Mood shifts can be magnified by changes in light, since the size of the pupils depends on light. A cat’s eyes can speak volumes about how they are feeling:

1. If your cat’s eyes are wide open and looking at you, she is saying, "I'm listening."
2. If her eyes are half closed it means, "I'm sleepy."
3. If her eye pupils look like slits she is telling you that she is feeling alert and confident.
4. A "bug-eyed" looks means, "I'm frightened"...so be careful!
5. If she is blinking and winking at you, she is very content.
6. If your kitty’s eyes are clouded, she is likely very relaxed but may be ill, so keep an eye on her!
7. A kitty whose eyes are staring straight at you is saying, "Stay away." A stare is a challenge.

Whiskers

The position of the whiskers says a great deal. When a cat is excited, tense and ready to act, the whiskers will be pointed forward and fanned out. On a calm or comfortable cat, the whiskers point outward and are less spread apart. This position can also mean a friendly disposition or indifference. A cat that is hunting prey will thrust her whiskers forward. The shy, timid or reserved cat will bunch the whiskers together and flatten them out to the side of the face. Whiskers flat against the face signify the cat is frightened.

Vocalizations

Cats have a different vocal apparatus from humans. They can vocalize when exhaling as well as inhaling. The variations in the phonetic quality of sounds are achieved mainly by changing the tension of the throat and oral muscles and by changes in the speed of air moving over the vocal cords. The position of the tongue is not as important as it is in human speech. There are three general sound categories in cat vocalization. Murmuring comprises the soft sounds used for acknowledgment, approval, attention, calling and greeting; purring is included in this group. The majority of these sounds are formed with the mouth closed.

The vowel sounds are another category of sound. Cats use these particular sounds, which consist of the meows, in very specific context. Most cats have an impressive vocabulary of these sounds to express needs such as hunger, gratitude, in or out, "no," "come here," "move over," to name a few. Cats seem to train their humans more readily to this part of their language than any other. The last group is made up of high-intensity, strained sounds. These are usually reserved for cat-to-cat communications and consist of the hiss, spit, growl, wail and snarl. Such sounds generally indicate anger, pain or frustration. When directed at humans these sounds mean, "Leave me alone, NOW."

Purring

It is thought that this sound originated as a vocalization of kittens to tell a mother they are content. When they produce this sound while nursing, it does not interfere with suckling, and sound contact can be maintained with the mother cat. A mother cat purrs when approaching her kittens in order to reassure them of her presence. Older kittens purr when they are trying to get an older cat to play with them.

AHS: Understanding Feline Body Language Rev. January 9, 2007

Adult cats purr when all is well with their world. A dominant cat will purr when approaching another cat with playful or peaceful intentions. A sick cat will purr in order to try to soothe a potential aggressor. It is not known how cats purr. One theory maintains that it is the vibration of the false vocal cords. Another theory suggests that it is the result of turbulence in the bloodstream of the vena cava (the main vein returning to the heart).

Gurgling

A high-pitched gurgle means a friendly greeting. This sound is sometimes combined with gentle meows to become a chatting sound that will vary in quality in cats. It is a social contact sound. The cat has a tremendous capacity for variation on this sound. It seems to play an important role in vocal exchanges, but it has not yet been studied in depth.

Meowing

The vowel sounds a cat makes are the meowing sounds and are used in specific context. These sounds form distinct words in that the cat closes her mouth after making each sound. These sounds are used in communicating with humans, and the manner in which a cat pronounces them gives the individual a specific voice. Cats have a broad range of several types of meows. The best known of the meow sounds is that of an unhappy kitten. A short, high meow in adults expresses discontent or unhappiness. A hungry cat shows displeasure with loud, almost screaming meows. A cat seeking attention or wanting to be petted will meow softly.

Caterwauling

This is a song of threat and war, sometimes called wailing. It is the sound that rival tomcats emit as they approach each other. It is often mistaken by humans to be a love song between a tom and a queen.

Growling

This sound is usually accompanied by a facial expression. Growling indicates offense rather than defense. When growling, the corners of the mouth are drawn up more than the upper lip. Repeated growling will eventually turn into snarling.

Hissing

This is a common sound. When hissing, the cat will open her mouth about halfway, drawing back the upper lips and arching the tongue. The breath is expelled with force. This is why a cat will shy away if you blow in her face. The expression of hissing without sound will succeed in repulsing a cat.

Screeching

This sound seems to have evolved from a meowing sound and is usually used to mean distress.

Spitting

This is a warning or threatening sound. It is a sudden and violent non-vocal sound, accompanied by a forepaw hitting the ground. Cats use this sound as a bluff when approached by an attacker.

For more information, please visit

www.azhumane.org

Adapted from material originally developed by applied animal behaviorists

Stretching legs to their full length is a sign of self-confidence. Depending on the facial expression, this gesture could also mean a readiness to attack. A cat bends her hind legs to convey her uncertainty or timidity.

By bending the forelegs, the cat is expressing her desire to avoid conflict, while stating she will defend herself if necessary. Complete defensiveness is communicated by bending both fore and hind legs. A slightly raised paw indicates readiness to defend herself.

Playful Angry Back-Off! Submissive

Body Gestures

Happy, Friendly Content Threatened, Defensive

Gestures are body positions and movements that convey a message. The cat’s ability to erect the hairs on certain parts of her body must also be included.

Body

A stretched body can indicate that the cat is sure of herself or prepared to attack. A contracted body indicates fear. The arched back conveys the idea that the cat is in readiness for defense.

Head

A head stretched forward is ready for contact. Facial expressions and other gestures indicate whether the encounter is antagonistic or friendly. A cat feeling dominant raises her head, and inferior feelings cause the head to lower. If the head is lowered in a jerky manner and the chin is pulled in or the head turned sideways, the cat is displaying a lack of interest. The cat uses this gesture if she desires not to provoke or be provoked when encountering another cat. When meeting another cat that is being very persistent, the cat that wants to avoid contact will raise her head high and pull it far back.

The giving and interpreting of sign language is innate in cats. The house cat has an exceptionally vast supply of many forms of expression.

Domestic cats have advanced far beyond their wild ancestors in the capacity to develop new forms of social organization and communication. They use their bodies and facial expressions to communicate their intentions to all around them. By studying the various signals that make up the cat’s language, you will find that you will better understand the messages your cat is trying to convey. A basic understanding of this language will aid in deepening the bonds of friendship with your feline companion.

Your Cat's Undesirable Behavior

    "Welcome to "Love Your Pets Too"         
Pet Sitting in Phoenix, Arizona
In-Home Pet Sitting By A Professional Pet Sitter For Your
Dogs, Cats and Household Pets
Providing quality affordable pet sitting for your dog, cat, and household pets.  "Love Your Pets Too" is family owned and operated since 2004.  We are qualified, professional pet sitters, bonded, insured and certified.  We offer Daily Visits, Live-In, Work Breaks and Overnights in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Tolleson, Avondale, Goodyear, Scottsdale, Laveen & Litchfield Park, Arizona. 

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Undesirable Behavior is definitely a case of trial- and-error, as individual preferences will vary with each cat. This is often the best method to discourage a cat from a particular action or place, but will seldom work effectively without offering an alternative that is both convenient and rewarding. Following are a few ideas to deter your cat from damaging your floor or furniture or from venturing into places that you prefer she would not. We will discuss the use of a number of "aversives" or deterrents such as Texture, Smell, Taste and a few surprises that will help deter your cat from undesirable behavior.

Outdoor Aversives:

Irregular or sharp rocks firmly set into dirt

Chicken wire firmly set into dirt (sharp edges rolled under)

Indoor & Outdoor Aversive:

Heavy plastic carpet runner (pointed side up)

Smell

Soak cotton balls, rags or washcloths in one of the "stinky" substances listed below. To help protect carpets, upholstery, floors or furniture, place the saturated object on a piece of weighted foil or heavy plastic. To prevent the substance from seeping into the ground, use the same precautions. Outdoor substances need to be reapplied daily, due to more rapid dissipation into the air.

Indoors & Outdoor Aversives:

1. NON-TOXIC
2. Citric odors - colognes, concentrated juices or fresh peels
3. Annoying colognes
4. Some NON-TOXIC muscle rubs (NOTE: some cats react to menthol as they do to catnip - beware!)
5. Aloe gel
6. Cayenne Pepper

Insect repellent, especially those containing citronella and/or citrus odors (ALWAYS CHECK FOR TOXICITY - if safe for young children, it’s generally safe for pets; CHECK WITH YOUR VET TO BE SURE!) AHS: PET TRAINING: Redirecting Your Cat’s Undesirable Behavior Rev. October 1, 2007 AHS: PET TRAINING: Redirecting Your Cat’s Undesirable Behavior Rev. October 1, 2007

Taste

Some of these substances may damage furniture or floor finishes, so be sure to test them in a hidden location before widespread use. Except for hot sauce and cayenne pepper, these substances should be safe to apply to most people’s skin; however, some individuals may be sensitive to them.

1. Bitter Apple or similar sprays and gels marketed specifically for taste aversion

NON-TOXIC

Some hot sauces

Cayenne pepper

Some NON-TOXIC muscle rubs

Citric odors (colognes, concentrated juices or fresh peels)

Aloe gel

Insect repellents, especially those containing citronella or citrus odors (ALWAYS CHECK FOR TOXICITY, if it’s safe for young children, it’s generally safe for pets; CHECK WITH YOUR VET TO BE SURE!)

Surprise!

Remote Controlled Aversives:

Motion detector that reacts with a startling sound

Snappy Trainer (upside-down mouse trap that’s

Aluminum pie plate containing water, beans or pebbles -- preferably balanced precariously on a counter or other undesirable "jumping" surface. Do not use in the pie plate that is toxic which could be ingested by your cat.

Scat Mat (very slight electrical shock)

securely taped under paper to avoid contact)

Human Controlled Aversives:

Use these to get your cat’s attention, and thereby offer an appropriate alternative.

Spray bottle or squirt gun filled with water or a combination of water and vinegar (NOTE: avoid the super-duper water guns that have a very forceful spray)

Loud air horn

Whistle

Shaker can (soda can containing nails, pennies, beans or pebbles - securely taped shut)

WARNING: For fearful cats, try everything else before trying surprise techniques, especially those using noises!

www.azhumane.org

There are a number of materials that may be used to keep your cat from jumping onto furniture or countertops. To protect your furniture or other items from sticky substances, attach the aversives to a piece of foil or heavy plastic and secure that with weights or light tape.

Indoor Aversives:

Shelf paper (sticky side up)

Double-sided carpet tape

Heavy foil

Understanding Kitten Behavior

Love Your Pets Too

Welcome to "Love Your Pets Too"

Pet Sitting in Phoenix, Arizona

In-Home Pet Sitting By A Professional Pet Sitter For Your
Dogs, Cats and Household Pets. 

623-695-3079
http://www.petandhousesitting.com/

Providing quality affordable pet sitting for your dog, cat, and household pets.  "Love Your Pets Too" is family owned and operated since 2004.  We are qualified, professional pet sitters, bonded, insured and certified.  We offer Daily Visits, Live-In, Work Breaks and Overnights in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Tolleson, Avondale, Goodyear, Scottsdale, Laveen & Litchfield Park, Arizona.  

We're affordable too, see our "Services and Rates" page for a list of prices and services we provide.
 Also, see our "Client Comments" for ratings and reviews on our pet sitting services.

UNDERSTANDING THE DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF KITTEN BEHAVIOR are likely to have well-socialized kittens. Kittens "feed" off of their mothers’ calm or fearful attitude toward people. Although feeding time is important, it’s also vital to include petting, talking and playing in order to build good "people-skills" in your kitten.

AHS: Understanding The Developmental Stages of Kitten Behavior Rev. October 1, 2007 AHS: Understanding The Developmental Stages of Kitten Behavior Rev. October 1, 2007

Social and object play increases their physical coordination and social skills. Most learning is by observation, preferably from their mother.

Social play includes belly-ups, hugging, ambushing and licking.

Object play includes scooping, tossing, pawing, mouthing and holding.

Social/object play includes tail chasing, pouncing, leaping and dancing.

3 - 6 months = Ranking period

Most influenced by their "litter" (playmates now include companions of other species).

Beginning to see and use ranking (dominant and submissive) within the household, including humans.

6 - 18 months = Adolescence

www.azhumane.org

Heightened exploration of dominance, including challenging humans.

If not spayed or neutered, beginnings of sexual behavior.

For more information, please visit

WELL SOCIALIZED CATS

Kittens are usually weaned at six or seven weeks, but may continue to suckle for comfort as their mother gradually leaves them more and more. Orphaned kittens, or those weaned too soon, are more likely to exhibit inappropriate suckling behaviors later in life. Ideally, kittens should stay with their littermates (or other role-model cats) for at least 12 weeks.

Kittens orphaned or separated from their mother and/or littermates too early often fail to develop appropriate "social skills," such as learning how to send and receive signals, what an "inhibited bite" means, how far to go in play-wrestling and so forth. Play is important for kittens because it increases their physical coordination, social skills and learning limits. By interacting with their mother and littermates kittens learn "how to be a cat," as well as explore the ranking process ("who’s in charge").

Kittens that are handled 15 to 40 minutes a day during the first seven weeks are more likely to develop larger brains. They’re more exploratory, more playful and are better learners. Skills not acquired during the first eight weeks may be lost forever. While these stages are important and fairly consistent, a cat’s mind remains receptive to new experiences and lessons well beyond kitten-hood. Most cats are still kittens, in mind and body, through the first two years.

The following chart provides general guidelines for the stages of development.

0 - 2 weeks = Neonatal

Learning to orient toward sound.

Eyes are opening, usually open by two weeks.

Competition for rank and territory begins. Separation from their mother and littermates at this point can lead to poor learning skills and aggression toward people and other pets, including other cats.

2 - 7 weeks = Socialization

By the third week smell is well developed and they can see well enough to find their mother.

By the fourth week smell is fully mature and hearing is well developed. They start to interact with their littermates, they can walk fairly well and they’re teeth are erupting.

By the fifth week sight is fully mature, they can right themselves, run, place their feet precisely, avoid obstacles, stalk and pounce and catch "prey" with their eyes.

Start to groom themselves and others.

By the sixth and seventh weeks they begin to develop adult sleeping patterns, motor abilities and social interaction.

7- 14 weeks = Most active play period

Why Do Cats Scratch On The Furniture and how to solve it.

See more pet tips on our web site: 

Love Your Pets Too

623-695-3079

www.petandhousesitting.com

Providing quality affordable pet sitting for your dog, cat, and household pets.  "Love Your Pets Too" is family owned and operated since 2004.  We are qualified, professional pet sitters, bonded, insured and certified.  We offer Daily Visits, Live-In, Work Breaks and Overnights in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Tolleson, Avondale, Goodyear, Scottsdale, Laveen & Litchfield Park, AZ  

Why Do Cats Scratch On The Furniture and how to solve it.

by Love Your Pets Too on Friday, July 29, 2011 at 11:17am

Your note has been created.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CAT’S DESTRUCTIVE SCRATCHING

Why Do Cats Scratch?Because scratching is a normal behavior and one that cats are highly motivated to display, it’s unrealistic to try to prevent them from scratching. Instead, the goal in resolving scratching problems is to redirect the scratching onto acceptable objects.
Cats scratch for many reasons, including:
Training Your Cat to Scratch Acceptable ObjectsNow, considering your cat’s demonstrated preferences, substitute similar objects for her to scratch (rope-wrapped posts, corrugated cardboard, or even a log). Place the acceptable object(s) near the inappropriate object(s) that she’s already using. Make sure the objects are stable and won’t fall over or move around when she uses them. Cover the inappropriate objects with something your cat will find unappealing, such as double-sided sticky tape, aluminum foil, sheets of sandpaper, or a plastic carpet runner with the pointy side up. Or you may give the objects an aversive odor by attaching cotton balls containing non-toxic perfumes, a non-toxic muscle rub, or other safe yet unpleasant substances. Be careful with odors, though, because you don’t want the nearby acceptable objects to also smell unpleasant.
You must provide objects for scratching that are appealing, attractive, and convenient from your cat’s point of view. Start by observing the physical features of the objects your cat is scratching. The answers to the following questions will help you understand your cat’s scratching preferences:
AHS: Understanding Your Cat’s Destructive Scratching Rev. September 26, 2007 AHS: Understanding Your Cat’s Destructive Scratching Rev. September 26, 2007
Should I Punish My Cat for Scratching?NO! NEVER! Punishment is effective only if you catch your cat in the act of scratching unacceptable objects and have provided her with acceptable scratching objects. Punishment after the fact won’t change the behavior, may cause her to be afraid of you or the environment, and may elicit defensive aggression. Used by itself, punishment won’t resolve scratching problems because it doesn’t teach your cat where to scratch instead. If you do catch your cat in the act of scratching inappropriate objects, punish her in a way that prevents her from associating the punishment with you. Try making a loud noise (using a whistle, shaking a soda can filled with rocks, or slapping the wall) or using a water-filled squirt bottle. If you use other, more interactive techniques, she’ll learn to refrain from scratching in your presence but will continue to scratch when you’re not around.
How Do I Trim My Cat’s Claws?There are several types of claw trimmers designed especially for pets. These are better than your own nail clipper because they won’t crush the claw. Until you and your cat have become accustomed to the routine, one claw or foot a day is enough of a challenge. Don’t push to do all of them at once, or you’ll both have only negative memories of claw clippers!
To help keep them sharp, cats keep their claws retracted until they’re needed. As the claws grow too long and become curved, they can’t be retracted completely. You should clip off the sharp tips of your cat’s claws on her front feet every two weeks or so. Clipping your cat’s claws will also help prevent them from becoming snagged in carpets and fabrics, not to mention your skin!
Should I Declaw My Cat?Declawing is a procedure whereby a veterinarian amputates the end digit and claw of a cat’s paws—similar in scope to cutting off a person’s finger at the last joint. The Humane Society of the United States opposes declawing when done solely for the convenience of the owner. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats and can be directed to appropriate items. Declawing can also lead to litterbox or aggression problems. However, if you feel that you must either declaw your cat or give her up, we would rather see your cat stay in her home and be your lifelong companion.
For more information, please visitAdapted from material originally developed by applied animal behaviorists at the
think a cat’s scratching behavior is a reflection of her distaste for a couch’s upholstery, a not-so-subtle hint to open the drapes or a poorly conceived Zorro impersonation, the fact is that cats scratch objects in their environment for many perfectly normal reasons.

Love Your Pets Too
623-695-3079
http://www.petandhousesitting.com/

Providing quality affordable pet sitting for your dog, cat, and household pets.  "Love Your Pets Too" is family owned and operated since 2004.  We are qualified, professional pet sitters, bonded, insured and certified.  We offer Daily Visits, Live-In, Work Breaks and Overnights in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Tolleson, Avondale, Goodyear, Scottsdale, Laveen & Litchfield Park, Arizona. 



ALTHOUGH SOME PEOPLE