Cats have always been revered animals. Known as “Mau” in ancient Egyptian culture, cats were considered sacred. They were worshipped by the ancient civilizations. Various studies based on DNA comparisons state that cats were first domesticated around 10,000 years ago. The Egyptians gave the felines equal importance as humans. This is evident from the mummified remains of cats and kitten found from different parts of Egypt.

Along with heaving a reverential status, cats were considered useful pets that kept away pests and rodents away from the house. Although the worship of cats as gods have declined over the ages, they are still one of the preferred pets among many. Not as attached as dogs, cats are still considered to be elegant and poised creatures that have their way of showing affection towards their owners. If you are cat-lover and have just brought home a new kitten, you are probably wondering about names for cats. Here are a few ideas for names for cats that might help you out:

• The gender of your cat: There certain names that are suitable for only a specific gender, such as Bambi, Blossoms, Cookie, Juniper, Tinkerbell, and Trixie. There are names suitable only for male cats: Elvis, Fonzie, Houdini, Rumi, Simba and so on. There are unisex names for cats that are suitable for both genders; these include Nibbles, Cuddles, Pixie, Snowball, Velvet, and so on.
• Observe your cat’s personality traits: The most suitable names for cats are those that suit their personality traits or physical appearances. If your cat likes to snuggle a lot, “Snuggles” would be an appropriate name. Or if your cat is quite restless all the time, perhaps the name “Wiggles” would be apt? If you cat has multi-colored fur, the name “Taffy” would be suitable.
• Keep a short name: Cats cannot remember long names. They naturally respond to names that resemble a specific sound. A long name such as Sir Snigglemuch Puffykins Bardo would be confusing to your cat. The most suitable names for cats are single words with minimal syllables. Most cats prefer and response to names that end with the “ee” sound.
• Funny names: If you are feeling adventurous and if your cat responds well, you can try out funny names for cats. You can name you feline based on your favorite TV show or movie character; for example, if you like F.R.I.E.D.N.S, you can name your cat Joey or Phoebe. Or if you are game for pun names for cats, you can name your cat as Clawdia, Whispurr, Tabbytha, and so on.

Although many people consider cats as solitary and aloof creatures, they make for playful companions. Cats need the same care and attachment like any other pets, even if they are not as emotionally dependent as dogs or any other pets. It is quite comforting when a furry cat snuggles on your lap, or when it rubs its head against your leg. Some people believe that the sound of a cat’s soft purr can be a stress buster and lower blood pressure. Running fingers through a cat’s soft fur can be quite therapeutic.

Once you have decided to get a cat as a pet, the next step is to think of a suitable name by perhaps making a list of names for cats. Whatever name you choose to give your cat, it should be compatible with the cat’s personality. The cat should be responsive to the name. Here are a few tips to choose names for cats:

• A short name: Cats associate sounds with the words humans say out loud. When you give a short name to your cat, he or she will know that you are calling out to them when they hear the sound of their names. Giving a long name, such as Sir Henry-oats Fluffmister George Michael, would only confuse your cat. Your cat may refuse to respond to you, or will just respond to one of the parts of the long name. So, make a list of short names for cats to make your as well as your cat’s life easy.
• Take help from family and friends: If you are unable to figure out any names for cats, ask your family and friends to help you out. Take suggestions from them, discuss the different names for cats, and perhaps take a vote as well. You never know someone might have an interesting name that would be suitable for your cat’s personality and that your cat might like.
• Your favorite character: One of the best sources for names for cats is fictional characters. If you have any favorite character from a show, or movie, or a book, you can give a name to your cat based on this character. It would be quirky as well fun. Have multiple character names; pick the one your cat instantly responds to.
• See whether your cat likes the name: When cats do not like their names, they will take their own sweet time to respond to the name or ignore. While picking names for cats, make sure your cat likes it.

The modern world can be a bit too demanding, and nothing can comfort you more than soft furry creatures that eagerly await your return from work. Cats are known to be the quintessential independent pets who refuse to depend on you. They are fuss-free, and you won’t have to come home to scoop away the mess they created in your absence. Yes, they can definitely rip your new shoes into shreds but rarely do they soil your beloved living room. The litter box is a blessing in disguise for cat owners, and if you are new cat-parent, here’s how you can choose the right cat litter for your cat’s litter box.

• Clumping– Cat litter is supposed to absorb whatever business your cat does in the litter box. After absorbing the cat’s urine, the cat litter is supposed to clump. Clumping clay is a viable option for your cat’s litter box. If the cat urinates or poops in the litter box, this cat litter will clump, and it makes it easier for cleaning the litter box. So choosing a cat litter that clumps after the usual cat business is executed.
• Odor control– Certain cat litter materials cannot control the odor of the cat’s urine. Even after clumping, if the cat litter fails to control the urine, it’s not the right one for your cat. Since your cat will be using the litter box quite often, a cat litter that cannot control the odor fails its purpose. Cat litter like pine is quite effective in controlling odor.
• Granule size– One needs to be quite careful while choosing cat litter on the basis of the granule size of the cat litter. Cats usually prefer softer granules since they tend to cover their waste with the litter. Whereas, even coarser granules come in handy since the cats won’t breathe it in. For kittens, it is advisable to opt for coarser granules, and one can shift to the softer ones as they grow.
• Low dust– Cat litter can produce of a lot of dust, and this can prove harmful to cats and humans alike. Usually, clumping clays are the source of dust, and it’s expected that the cats will unknowingly spread the cat litter across the house. So, opt for modern cat litters which such as crystal cat litters that are instrumental in reducing dust.
• The price– Clumping clay is quite popular owing to its clumping and odor-control properties, and they are quite cheap. The crystal ones are a little expensive, but they are quite effective and dust-free. So, if you opt for a cheaper one, you will have to change it frequently, whereas, the expensive ones can last longer, and have to be changed twice a month.

Everyone loves coming home to furry tails and pink paws, and cats being the independent creatures that they are, you won’t have to fuss around them. Cats are one of the best-behaved and independent animals, and for people who work long hours, cats are the best companion. You don’t have to take them for a walk, nor do you have to rush home to feed them. A timed feeder and a cozy cat tree are what a cat needs. But, you wouldn’t want your cat pooping on your precious carpet, and unless they are potty-trained, the entire home is in danger. That’s where the cat litter box comes in. You don’t even have to potty-train them when they come across a litter box; they know exactly what to do.

If you wish to get more creative with the litter box, different types of cat litter can be used in the litter box. And, your kitty would definitely like it.

• Clumping Clay- This is the most common type of cat litter which is found in almost every litter box that is ever manufactured. It is made from bentonite, which is a highly-absorbent clay and immediately forms into a clump when your cat urinates. This makes scooping away the soiled clay easier, and cleaning the litter box doesn’t have to be a tedious task.
• Recycled Paper– If you wish to get all creative with the litter box, you can get cat litter made of recycled paper. The recycled paper used in this cat litter is processed and turned into pellets and granules. It is quite safe for your cat since it will not face any allergic reactions to the litter. And disposing of this cat litter is quite easy since it is biodegradable.
• Silica Gel Crystals– This is one of the most preferred cat litter. These gel crystals are made of small silica gel beads which are highly absorbent. Cat pee is known to possess a strong odor, and mostly when the cat litter fails to absorb this, it starts reeking of a foul odor. Silica gel crystals absorb the urine and leave the litter box odorless.
• Pine– Pine litter is quite common these days. The lumber scraps are processed to get rid of the toxins and allergens, and this litter comes in the form of granules, pellets, or simply crushed pine. The scent of the pine is instrumental in controlling the odor of the cat’s urine. It is easily disposable and doesn’t cost much.
• Grass- There’s nothing that can make your new kitty more comfortable than having a piece of nature in their litter box. This cat litter is made from USA-sourced grass fiber that controls odor, is biodegradable, and can clump easily.

Some of the best cat food reviews include brands that have been analyzed keeping in mind one important factor, the formula. For the top brands to make this list of cat food reviews, the formula had to contain a high protein diet essential for cats, should not contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, and dyes. The formula should also not contain rendered fat, meat by-products, any sugar or garlic for that matter.

Here are the popular cat food brands available globally on major retailer websites:

Herbed duck confit entre by Addiction: The primary ingredient of this product is a duck with carrageenan, cassie gums, taurine, brushtail, venison, dried seaweed, potatoes, peas, among other added vitamins and minerals. The product is rich in omega 3 and 6 which is good for the skin and coat and is reasonably priced at $60 which will vary depending on the retailer. The product is available in 5.5 ounces and 6.5-ounce variants and is recommended by many happy consumers based on various cat food reviews found online.

Chicken meal and field pea by Blackwood: This is a dry cat food with its primary ingredient that consists of chicken meal. The recipe is all natural, and the product is grain free, allergy relief and is made in the country and exported globally. The recipe also contains proven probiotics and the overall composition of the product consisting of 40% protein, 18% fat and 4% fiber. Dry cat food is comparatively cheaper to canned cat food which can be purchased for under $20 depending on the retailer.

Wild sea catch by Earthborn Holistic: Salmon meal is the main ingredient for wild sea catch optimal for providing all the nutrition your cat or kitten will ever need. Apart from a salmon meal, the formula is a good blend of natural vegetables and fruit fiber which is good for aiding digestion. The formula is also rich in antioxidants, and nutrients like Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Wild sea catch comes is a preferred brand as suggested by popular cat food reviews that can be found online and consumer reports available by regulatory agencies.

Gold holistic adult by Fromm: Made with duck, gold holistic is a dry cat food with a natural formula. The chicken, liver, whole eggs and cheese in the formula compliment the fresh duck well, to provide a complete and balanced nutrition regardless of the age of your furry, fuzzy feline. Suited for all ages, a gold holistic adult comes in a five-pound bag priced at $46 to $50 depending on the retailers online.

Buying food for your pets can be challenging, with many brands and pet food supplements available in the market. Your pets are like family, and you want to give your family the best there is, which is of particular importance when it comes to food and drink. Cat food especially should be a perfect blend of more meat and less grain among the top ingredients used, should not contain any corn, wheat or soy substitutes which are rich in carbohydrates.

Canned cat food should not contain any preservatives even if it reduces the shelf life of food and most importantly, cat food reviews suggest that canned product must have a good safety record to ascertain quality and compliance with various regulatory guidelines.

Labels will display information about the type of product which is why it is a good idea to understand the different labels of cat food which is canned or packaged. There are guidelines set by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) when it comes to manufacturing and marketing pet food.

These include labels like product name, best quantity statement, manufacturers name and address, list of ingredients used, guaranteed analysis, nutritional adequacy statement, feeding and usage directions, calorie statement, other labels and of course a summary which includes the details.

Labels will tell you more about a particular product, but here are a few generic things you should know when it comes to choosing the best product for your cat based on a number of cat food reviews online.

Dry versus canned food: The ongoing debate about which is best can be quite confusing since both are good and not suited at the same time. Some veterinarians suggest dry cat food while others say cats need wet food. This is again dependent entirely on your feline which is why it is a good idea to consult with your local vet as suggested by many cat food reviews to find out which food is best suited.

Raw versus prepared food: Frozen raw foods and even dehydrated raw foods are best suited for these furry, fuzzy felines according to cat food reviews from popular websites. The raw food will mimic a cat’s natural prey which makes it more appealing to eat compared to canned and prepared alternatives.

What if the food has byproducts: Byproducts are not so much of major concern because cats are accustomed to killing and eating prey out in the wild which will have by-products like fur, bones, internal organs among others.

Budget: Ultimately everything will depend on how much you are willing to spend, but taking into account the factors mentioned above.

It is definitely not always possible to make food at home for your kitty and you may not have enough time to go to the pet shop as well. Fret not! In this era of online shopping, the number of stores that sell online cat food samples is plenty. Here is a list of some famous online dry cat food brands. You can choose yours easily but you must consult with your vet before treating your cat with any of them.

Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food
This is a 16-pound bag. This will give 100% balanced and complete nutrition to your pet. It contains chicken, turkey, salmon and many ocean fishes. Hence it is rich in vitamins, minerals and high-quality protein to help to grow strong and healthy muscles.

Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Adult Premium Cat Food
It is a 16-pound bag. It is made with real turkey, 42 grams protein without any added fillers and omega-6 fatty acids. These are helpful for maintaining a shiny coat and healthy skin. Antioxidants present in it improve immune power. Crunchy kibble helps to whiten the teeth. It is recommended by many veterinarians.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Adult Cat Food
One bag weighs 12 pounds. It has a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is made up of only fine natural ingredients. It does not contain any of the chicken or poultry by-product meals, artificial preservatives, corn, wheat or soy. It works as an alternative to a raw diet. It is available in some other flavors also.

Purina Cat Chow Naturals Indoor Dry Cat Food
It is a 13-pound bag. The diet contains an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals. Natural fiber blend helps to control hairballs, to promote healthy weight. It has no added artificial flavors or preservatives. It is made from real chicken and turkey. It is 100% balanced and completes diet for adult cats.

Purina ONE Urinary Tract Health Formula Dry Cat Food
It also weighs 16 pounds. It is easily digestible and made up of real chicken. It helps in maintaining urinary tract health by reducing urinary pH and providing low magnesium content. It is specially made for adult cats. It is rich in omega-6 fatty acids to make the skin and coat into healthy. It is also vastly recommended by veterinarians.

Taste of the Wild Cat Food
It is a grain-free formula with peas and sweet potatoes to provide your cat with a lot of energy. Antioxidants are present to give them a healthy immune system. Roasted venison and smoked salmon make it very tasty for your pet.

You may find a lot of cat food out there in the market but they are not always healthy. Homemade food is the best for providing your cat with nutrition. You can start making some homemade samples and try it with your cat initially.

A word of warning here – Before starting to make food for your pet you must know what ingredients to be avoided. Chocolates are not at all healthy for cats. Some other unhealthy ingredients for your kitty are garlic, onions, raisins, raw egg whites, tomatoes, and grapes. Besides avoiding these ingredients your cat’s diet should contain a large amount of animal protein. Cats are carnivores so they need anywhere between 60-80% meat proteins to produce amino acids. Lack of it may make your cat blind.

Things you need to know before preparing homemade cat food samples:

Animal proteins are essential for your cat. It may come from chicken, poultry, beef, pork, fish or liver. You should give your pet, liver frequently as it gives vitamin A which they cannot produce on their own. However, you must not use the same source of protein every day and variety is necessary.
Besides making the food tastier, animal fat also helps to make the fur and skin healthy and shiny. It develops the circulatory and urinary systems. Kittens need 35% and adult cats need 30% of fat.
Calcium and phosphorus ratio should be 1:1.3. To accomplish this ratio you can use calcium supplements.
Homemade cat food should ideally have 10-30% water in it.
All food should contain less than 10% carbohydrates.

Here are a few homemade cat food sample ideas:

Basic Cat Food
You can mix olive oil or salmon oil, feline vitamin or mineral supplement, cooked potato without skin, cooked pasta or white rice or barley or oatmeal or peas, cooked animal protein altogether. You can use a blender for perfect mixture and store it in the fridge until you need it.

Tuna Patties
You have to drain the tuna first and then mix all the ingredients like the tuna, boiled rice, pureed liver and chopped parsley. After that make balls and form them into patties. Store in the fridge and serve.

Rabbit Stew
You can fry boned rabbit meat chunks in olive oil. Then sprinkle parsley, rosemary, marjoram, and thyme. Then add unsalted vegetable stock water and boil. Cover it and cook in a low to medium oven. Next add chopped sweet potato, carrot, celery, leek, turnip, peas and cook. Once cooked, cool it and then serve to your kitty. It is good for human beings also!

You have got a pet cat that you love more than anything. But when it comes to cleaning its litter, you probably freak out every single time. You can be rescued from this tiring and irritating job simply by using a self- cleaning litter box. This will save you from the tedious job while giving your cat a healthy environment. Following are some benefits that you will get to enjoy if you use a self-cleaning litter box:

If you are using a traditional litter box then you must be putting a lot of effort and time into it. The time you waste to clean the poop may be spent by doing some other interesting job. The self-cleaning litter box, as its name suggests, cleans itself without your interference. This saves your time, now you will get more time to play with your pet as well.
The self-cleaning litter boxes have patented litter shifting technology. This helps to separate the clean litter from the clumped and soiled litter. This leaves a clean litter bed for your cat after every use. You need not worry about scooping manually ever again. You just have to pick up the scoop one last time for throwing it away into the dustbin.
The cleaning of the litter box is also very easy. After separating the litter, it is stored into a hidden waste chamber under the globe. When the chamber is full it indicates to clean it. All you have to do is take out the drawer and keep a new disposable bag there. It is simply like cleaning your kitchen garbage.
If you have many cats and if you are troubled with multiple litter boxes then you are simply wasting your time and money. Throw them away and buy a self-cleaning litter box. It has a large opening and litter bed area which is suitable for some large breeds also.
The litter box chamber, where the waste is stored, is a covered place preventing the odor from spreading across the house. The prompt cleaning process prevents the bad smell from escaping after a few moments and they use a carbon filter in the waste drawer specially to prevent the nasty smell of the poop.
Your cat may behave disobediently if stuck with a soiled litter box. The self-cleaning litter box cleans itself promptly after every use. This makes your cat as well as you happy.
These self-cleaning litter boxes, though not very cost effective, come with guaranteed service. This means you do not need to change your litter box over and over again.

Are you troubled with litter cleaning of your pet cat? Then you should know that there are plenty of self-cleaning litter boxes out in the market. They will save your time and labor and will clean themselves automatically. Following are some self-cleaning litter boxes which will serve great for your kitty:

Litter Robot III

This automatic litter box starts working seven minutes after your cat leaves. It is specially designed to reduce odor and it’s very easy to use and clean. This is absolutely perfect for multiple cats as well. It has a big opening and a light to be used in night time. You will get 18 months warranty too.

Litter Robot LRII

This litter box has a weight-activated sensor which can detect when your cat enters it. It also starts working after seven minutes. It has a globe that rotates separating the clumps from the litter. The waste is deposited in a large capacity drawer which saves you from clogging problems. It also comes with 18 months warranty.

ScoopFree

It has a disposable tray with crystals in it to absorb the liquid portion of the litter and the odor. It dehydrates the solid waste and covers it in an odor controlling waste trap. It does not stick to the cat’s paws.

CatGenie

This is the only litter box which has self-washing and self-flushing system. It washes, sanitizes and dries itself automatically. It is absolutely germ, odor and dust free. It has washable granules perfect for your pet to dig and cover. But this cannot be used for more than three cats. It needs electricity and cold water.

Pet Zone Smart Scoop

It is the most cost effective self-cleaning litter. Carbon zeolite is used which helps to absorb the odor. It is much quiet than other litter boxes. It has a high raised deflector which prevents the litter from falling on the floor. This comes with No Touch plastic bags which last for a month. It comes with a one year warranty.

Litter Maid

This litter box can hold 50% more litter than other boxes and is great to use for many cats. You can clean it very easily by pushing two buttons only. Carbon filters used in it locks the odor. It has high walls and safety bars to prevent blockage.

PetSafe Simply Clean

It is uniquely designed to remove wastes automatically and continuously. It does not need any special bags and runs quietly on low voltage AC power adapter. It is very easy to use and clean and it comes with one year warranty.