How to Install Your Own Shade Sail

One of the greatest advantages in using a shade sail is it doesn't really require a lot of technical skills to install. You can definitely do it on your own, provided you exercise caution, right measurement, and discernment.

There are no definite rules in setting this up as it varies from one homeowner to another, but you can have an overview. Here are some the typical installation steps:

RAGDOLL CATS

1. Determine the area that you wish to cover. The size of the shade sail will depend on the supposed-to-be-covered area. When you spread out the sail, the fabric should be able to amply cover the space. The area will also determine the size of your shade as well as the distances of the mounts or posts.

2. See if there are existing mounts. It's common for manufacturers of shade sails to already include posts in the package. This way, you don't have to spend more money. You are also assured that the posts are of the right size and can truly support the weight and spread of the the sail.

However, there are also existing structures that may already be used. For example, you may have an existing column or pillar. You can also attach the shade directly to a pergola, perhaps in one of its cross beams.

3. Check the strength of the pillars. It's mandatory that the pillars or posts can hold the shade sail for a very long period of time and have high tolerance for strong rains or winds. Otherwise, the shade will eventually collapse, causing damage not only to property but also to humans. If you're still erecting the posts, don't forget to dig a considerably deep hole and add concrete. Allow the concrete to harden before you continue the installation.

4. Attach the shade sails. You can attach rings to the posts, where you can tie the end points. Again, take note of the distance. It's a huge problem if the posts are too far. You cannot put up the sail, or you have to remove the posts and plant them someplace else. It's a waste of time and effort.

Look for an Installation Expert

Just in case you don't have the time to install or don't want to take the risk, then simply look for an installation expert. The company normally conducts an assessment first to know what materials are needed and how to successfully install the posts and up the shade sail.

How to Install Your Own Shade Sail

There are so many shade structures available for home use. Check out the domestic shade structures that we're offering and you'll surely be glad you did.

RAGDOLL CATS

Excessive Sneezing in Cats

If your cat is picking up dust or some other irritant from the same place frequently, a little detective work may lead you to the offending source. Excessive sneezing in cats is not always a sign of a major problem.

cats and dogs

Sometimes however, excessive sneezing in cats is just what it appears to be; a chronic problem due to allergies in cats. There are a lot of factors to look at and consider when your cat sneezes frequently.

CATS

The first thing you should do is look for simultaneous symptoms. If excessive sneezing in cats is accompanied by your cat coughing, or a solid discharge, this may be a sign of allergies in cats, and the time to treat is now!

Some people use human Benadryl for cats and dogs that are sick, but there is a reason this is a human drug. Cats can have a basically harmless problem like sneezing escalate into a serious affliction. That is why treating your lovable little fur-ball quickly and correctly is so important.

These extra symptoms usually mean the presence of a flu or virus when your cat sneezes frequently. Upper respiratory issues can also be caused by a bacterial infection. Excessive sneezing in cats means that your feline friend's immune system has started to decline.

This is where bacteria steps in and creates a bigger problem. If your cat is treated immediately as soon as sneezing symptoms are noted, these more serious problems can sometimes be avoided.

So how do you treat your furry little companion? I have always been a fan of creating a "Cat Medicine Cabinet" just like you have for yourself. The next time your cat sneezes frequently, you can treat immediately, and get a huge head-start on defending your cat's health.

Some natural cures treat the entire upper respiratory system, and can be used for sneezing, coughing, hacking and nasal discharge. Having this on hand in advance can save you hundreds in veterinarian's fees.

Some veterinarians espouse safe, natural, homeopathic cures as opposed to traditional chemical cures and vaccines. Accordingly, many vets and pet experts actually believe that the cures and medicines that society has used regularly actually increase your pet's chance of contracting chronic disease, and shortens his lifespan. This is only one argument for the application of natural, homeopathic cures for excessive sneezing in cats and other symptoms.

When naturally occurring herbs and minerals are used to treat excessive sneezing in cats, there are no dangerous side effects. Every vet will tell you that if you do not know if your cat is allergic to a certain type of antibiotic or medicine, the side effect can be more serious than the cure. This is not the case when natural cures are used, and the cost is minuscule compared to vet's bills.

Excessive Sneezing in Cats

You love your pet and want only the safest, most effective natural remedies. Read testimonials at http://catsneezingandrunnynose.wordpress.com/ about curing Excessive Cat Sneezing.

CATS

Essential Products for Indoor Cats

If you're interested in getting indoor cats, my advice is to drop by the pet store and buy some basics before going to the shelter, even if you think you'll just look at the cats. Why? Because odds are good that you will fall in love with at least one of those cute little faces and voila! You will have a cat, but no gear.

catscram

Take it from me, I know from experience! I thought I was mostly prepared when I adopted my cat, Cody, but I wasn't even close. Before going to the shelter in my hometown, I had quickly picked up a travel crate, which really wasn't big enough, and a gimmicky litter box that I returned as soon as I'd had a chance to read some reviews. So there I was, scurrying to purchase cat food and a plain litter box while someone else took care of my new kitty.

CATS

My goal is to save you - and your new cat - from that headache! Following is a list of recommended starter items to make this process go much more smoothly!

Food

I'd advise buying a mix of foods and flavors, including both canned and dry varieties. Cats can be finicky in general but never is this more true than during the first few stressful days of adjusting to a new environment.

When shopping, keep in mind that grain-free canned food is advised for optimal feline health. This stems from its balance of nutrients which is more similar to a cat's natural diet. This will help provide your cat with the protein and water he needs.

It's best to stick with good quality cat food with high levels of protein. You'll want to look for 30-40 percent protein in dry food and 10 percent in canned.

Stay away from foods which contain corn (sometimes listed as "maize"), wheat, soy, and rice, particularly if these are indicated as the first ingredients. Cats do not need to eat grains!

As to flavors, lean more toward poultry-based foods like chicken and turkey instead of fish or seafood-based foods. The latter should be given on a limited basis, at most once or twice per week.

Suggested Canned Food:

Evo
Freshpet Select
Innova
Nature's Variety Instinct
Simply Nourish by PetSmart*
Wellness (grain free), especially the chicken formula
Weruva*

Suggested Hard Food:

Nature's Balance Ultra Premium Dry
Nature's Variety Instinct
Wellness CORE
*Cody's favorites

Although the above-mentioned varieties can be more expensive than grocery store brands, your cat won't eat as much due to the lack of fillers and grains. I happened to have some cat food that had rice in it; my cat easily consumed double the amount of that food as compared to a Wellness grain-free product.

Dishes

You could wait on these and begin using your own, however if you opt to purchase them now, go for bowls which are heavy or rubber-edged to protect against slipping. Stainless-steel is preferred. Plastic and porcelain dishes can scratch, causing crevices where germs can accumulate.

Bowls with a slight contour or slope on the inside are best for canned food, which tends to get stuck in the edges of the dish as a cat eats.

Litter Box

A traditional, large, uncovered litter box with high sides is encouraged, compared to a hooded cat litter box which will trap odors. These litter boxes are inexpensive, widely available, and are a good place to start.

If you're looking to get a kitten, check that one of the edges is low enough for a kitten to step across. If you plan on getting a full-grown cat, ensure that the box is large enough for the cat to maneuver without stepping in his business. Think "clean paws."

Rubbermaid carries a fantastic cat litter box with high sides along with a 'scooped out' entryway which even older kittens would be able to use.

If you are considering getting multiple indoor cats, purchase no less than one box per cat to start out. Understand that the rule of thumb is one box for each cat plus one.

And don't forget a litter scoop to clean out the box! The narrower the slats, the better. Keeping the box spic and span is one of the best things you can do to make sure your cat develops and keeps good litter box habits! Clean out the cat litter box at least once or twice daily!

Litter

Cats prefer litter that is unscented, and clumping litter is best. The finest cat litter I've tried is Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat. This brand clumps extremely well, and that helps to keep the litter box clean. ScoopAway's unscented clumping litter is also a good choice.

Toys

It's recommended that you spend some time everyday playing with your cat. This will not only help you bond with your cat, but it's also pretty entertaining!

I've never come across a cat who didn't like batting at a feathery thing on a string, so that's a good place to start.

You could also grab a laser pointer toy for about five dollars. My cat goes insane chasing that little light around the living room. This is also really good exercise for your cat.

And catnip is a great way to break the ice and help your cat relax!

Scratching Post

Cats love and need to scratch! It's important that indoor cats are provided with a scratching post or pad as an appropriate outlet for this behavior.

There are many choices to pick from. To start out, just be certain that what you buy is stable and won't tip over when a cat puts his or her weight on it. If all else fails, a bit of firewood or carpet sample will do the trick.

Cody is completely attached to his SmartyKat "ScratchScroll," a wave-style scratcher that I got at Target for approximately . PetSmart carries something similar, the Dream Curl Curved Scratcher, for .

Crate & Travel Accessories

Buy a travel crate that's big enough to permit an adult cat to comfortably turn around.

If you will be driving greater than an hour to bring your cat home, it's suggested that you grab a bottle of Feliway to make the ride home go more smoothly. This item mimics the cat's pheromones and has a calming effect. Simply spray it into the crate before you put your cat in. This may also help calm your cat as he adjusts to his new environment.

Essential Products for Indoor Cats

You're now ready to begin the fun part: finding and choosing your new cat or kitten! For information on selecting a new cat, check out the article, "Indoor Cats: Choosing Your New Pet" at Indoor Cats HQ. For all you need to know about caring for your indoor cats, visit Indoor Cats HQ today!

CATS

The Importance of Sterilizing Cats!

Numerous articles have been written about the importance of spaying and neutering cats and the health benefits that are gained by doing so. Many people are aware that the sterilization process is a good thing and abide by the usual recommendations. However, every once in a while it is a good thing to write a reminder to those, who do not believe in spaying or neutering, about why they should.

cats for sale

Spring and summer is known across our country as the "kitten season." Many female cats will be giving birth and many kittens will be unwanted and end up in shelters or even put to death by their owners.

CATS

A female cat can come into heat as early as four months - especially in the springtime. Locking a cat in the house may seem like a great alternative, but it plays havoc with a cat's health.

The reproductive system that nature created in a female cat is amazingly efficient. Having kittens is a very natural part of a female cat's life and not having kittens, without the help of being spayed is very hard on a cat.

Male cats are always willing and able to mate, and if they do not have anyone to mate with, it does not present a problem. They will just sit around and wait until a female presents itself.

Female cats on the other hand have reproductive needs that have to be met, that is the way nature created the female cat. If you do not want kittens, it is important to have your female spayed by at least six months of age.

Why? The cat's breeding season is usually between January and October and females go into heat every two weeks until they are bred and have a litter of kittens. A female can produce a litter of kittens every 65 days!

If a female does not mate and repeatedly comes into heat, the danger of life threatening uterine infections and uterine and ovarian cancer can become a sad part of your cat's life. Spaying also reduces the risk of mammary cancer.

Spaying your female between four and six months is easier on them, as they have less postoperative complications, they suffer less bleeding, require less surgery time, their organs are seen more easily and they recuperate more rapidly.

Males that are not neutered can become aggressive toward their owners, will get into fights with other males as they search for amorous females. The frequent fights expose them to infectious diseases, abscesses from wounds and many males will spray pungent urine to mark their territory, which can and usually includes the house. It is recommended that males be neutered between nine and ten months of age, this is before they reach their sexual maturity.

I recently had our new male kitten neutered at six months, his surgery took less than five minutes, he needed only two minutes of anesthesia and we had him home by the end of the day, happy as he could be.

Veterinary research has shown that the earlier you neuter cats the less behavioral problems you will have. Sterilized cats tend to be friendlier.

Both male and female cats that are not spayed or neutered have a tendency to spray, wander off and are apt to get lost or hit by a car.

A single cat (spayed/neutered) has no need for sex and does not miss what is never has known. Even though a spayed/neutered cat has a lower metabolism there is no need for the cat to become overweight or obese, that blame falls on the owner's shoulders for over feeding. Our 12-year-old male has maintained his same weight for over the last 7 years and is beautiful, slim and trim.

Reduce your cat's health risks by spaying/neutering, the earlier the better and you will have one happy cat, less vet bills and when the news man on the television asks "do you know where your children are," you will know your cat(s) are home where they belong.

The Importance of Sterilizing Cats!

If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

CATS

Cats and Fireworks - Tips To Help Keep Your Feline Calm And Safe

Fireworks and cats... they just don't mix. At best, you end up with a baffled cat sitting in the windowsill and wondering what is going on. More likely, you'll have a cat hidden under the bed, unwilling to surface for a good time to come, or a cat manically running around the house looking for shelter far, far away from all this noise.

cats

New Year's Eve, Bonfire Night, and other occasions where fireworks are used are stressful times for cats. It doesn't help that there are always people who start lighting fireworks well before the special date set for their use. Not to mention those who just cannot seem to stop and carry on lighting them for a long time afterward.

CATS

If your cats have access to outdoors, make sure to keep them inside on special nights when fireworks are expected. It is a worrying thought to have your felines outside on a hill, hiding in the bushes because they are too scared to dash back home. Luring them inside with a treat a good amount of time before the worst is expected to start, and then locking the cat flap, will give you and your cats some peace of mind as to their safety.

If you happen to have a good relation with your neighbours, it doesn't hurt to have a word with them. If you kindly ask them not to light fireworks when they can see the cats are out and about, I am sure they will be considerate. Especially if you mention that you will have them safely indoors on the actual night. It's a fair deal, after all, and most people love pets and would not deliberately hurt or frighten them.

On the night itself, you could play some soothing music. Alternatively, you could turn on the television. Background noise can help distract your feline from the big bangs outside.

Close the windows and, if possible, close the curtains. This will help your feline to feel shielded away from what is going on. Talk to them, pet them, try to reassure them that everything is alright.

This doesn't mean you can't go out and enjoy yourself. You can light fireworks yourself if you like doing so (and if it is allowed where you live, of course). If you do want to light fireworks, try to keep it brief as you can. And it is preferable to go for the prettier fireworks such as rockets and fountains, rather than those that sound like big explosions.

If you are going away during those times, ask a family member or friend to turn on the lights when it gets dark. Or leave them on yourself, if you are only out for the night. Have the radio on, softly enough to not disturb the neighbours, but loud enough to provide background noise. Make sure the litter tray is clean, and that there's plenty of food and water available.

If your cat has a certain hiding place, it can be helpful to place the food, water and tray nearby. That enables your feline friend to make a quick dash for them when needed. It can eliminate the risk of any scared soiling of hard to get to places.

The best thing to do, of course, is to keep your cat company during those hours and to provide them with some comfort. Your presence will automatically reassure your feline that everything will be alright. After all, if you're okay and calm, they will be, too.

Cats and Fireworks - Tips To Help Keep Your Feline Calm And Safe

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.

CATS

Cats Meowing

The sound of every species of the animal kingdom is very unique and intriguing. From the pleasant chirps of birds to the deep roars of lions one will surely have fun just listening to them. To most of us it is the sound of our house pets that seem to be the most frequent and heartwarming to hear. Perhaps the animal with the most intriguing and captivating sound is the cat. Cats are normally very silent creatures but they are still capable of producing a sound called a "meow" which can range from very high pitches to very low tones. 

Cats meow for many reasons and due to a lot of circumstances they experience and encounter. One thing that may cause your cats meowing is of course their biology or their natural bodily functions. Cats meow primarily due to their sexual hormones and drives.

RAGDOLL CATS

When a female cat is in heat or in estrus, she will meow very loudly continuously and incessantly. Her meows invite nearby male cats letting them know that she is ready to mate and reproduce. Female cats in heat have meows that are very high and loud and often painful sounding, which will usually cause inexperienced owners to worry and be troubled. The sound she produces is completely normal in female cats and she will continue to call every two to three weeks until she has been successfully mated. Having her spayed will also cause the meowing and the behaviors associated with her desire to mate to cease.

Male cats meowing very loudly and incessantly, are caterwauling meaning they are answering the mating calls of the female cat in heat. They do this so they can get to know each other better before the start of mating and copulation. If mating has been done successfully, all cats will go back to their normal state which is being relatively silent.

Meowing in cats may also be done in order to communicate with you that they want something or want to have something done for them. An example of such authoritative status is when a cat asks one, particularly his or her owner, for food and water. The cat may produce sweet meows and try to lead you to his or her food and water bowl by looking at you while trying to explain what he requires. Sometimes a cat just wants and demands attention, he or she may meow and rub herself against your leg to you to show that she is being affectionate and that you should give her the attention and petting she wants and demands. Due to the cat's innate intelligence, they are able to produce a variety of cat meows that they utilize in order to gain what they want and desire, as they have learned this is the best way to communicate with humans.
 
The sound of cats meowing may be melodious to some due to its tiny and sweet sound. To others it can be quite irritating and annoying especially if done at three o'clock in the morning when everyone is asleep except for those nocturnal and intelligent creatures we call cats.

Cats Meowing

Kelly is a cat enthusiast. Visit Purrfectly Trained Cat for more expect advice on cats meowing, correcting bad cat behavior, how to train a cat, and other tips you can use to have a happy, well-behaved cat. Sign up for my free mini-course to start learning techniques to fix your cat's behaviors today.

RAGDOLL CATS

Colourpoint Ragdoll Cats

Ragdoll cats, a special breed of cat known mainly for the 'ragdoll' temperament when they 'flop' around your house and when you hold them, come in many different colours and markings. Colourpoint is a very popular colour, meaning the points - the face, feet, ears; tails, of the cat are all a darker color than the rest of the body.

Colourpoint ragdoll cats come in seal, cream, blue, flame, tortie, lilac and chocolate. But there is discrepancy about what is recognized and what is 'new,' originally the ragdolls only came in seal, blue, chocolate and lilac, with other as 'dilutions,' so check with whoever the breeder is registered with to be sure, So what do each of the colours look like on a colourpointed ragdoll cat?

RAGDOLL CATS

A seal pointed cat will have dark brown to black colored points and the body will be light brown to cream. It is likely the chest will be lighter than the body, although sometimes this is not noticeable.

A cream pointed ragdoll will have cream coloured points, while the rest will be a light milk colour. Most striking about the cream point is the deep blue eyes, which will really stand out on such as light coloured cat.

A blue point can look a little like a seal pointed, but the points are a lighter, colder blue grey colour, lighter than the seal, and lack the brown of the seal. The body is a cool, off white blue, and the pads are blue grey like the points. While the seal pointed looks warm, the blue pointed looks cool.

A flame pointed ragdoll has a very clear colour of red or orange on points, and the body is a warm creamy color. It is considered that the deeper the color of the points in a flame pointed, the better.

A tortie pointed ragdoll will have more than one colour on the points; they may be intermingled or even come in patches around the body of the ragdoll cat. There is no 'acceptable' way for the colours to be expressed, it is random and all are acceptable, from this we get seal tortie, blue tortie etc, with different colours of the original intermingled on the points.

A lilac pointed ragdoll will have a very white body with cold pink tinged points; the pads tend to be a pink colour. The overall effect is very delicate, although it is often hard to tell a lilac pointed when young, as often the colors darken to become a blue or seal.

A chocolate pointed ragdoll will have an ivory coloured body and the points will be a milky chocolate colour - not too dark, often a chocolate might be mistaken for seal or blue, or the other way around. True lilacs and chocolates can be very rare and very hard to find, as the true chocolate gene is often not present.

Remember when choosing a colour, that in most cases, the colours will not fully develop until about 2 years of age, so you can never be truly sure about the type of ragdoll you have unless you genetically test it! If the breeder is charging more for a 'rare' colour, remember you are taking the risk that the colour will change as the cat ages, or that the colour is not 'true' at all.

Colourpoint Ragdoll Cats

David Jameson is a Ragdoll Cat enthusiast, helping people learn to live with Ragdoll Cats.

Find out more information For Ragdoll Cats Owners at http://www.MyRagdollCat.com. Please, visit the site's Recommended Reading section special for everyone interested In Ragdoll Cats.

RAGDOLL CATS