Care for Pets and Animals

How to Encourage Your Cat to Use the Litter Box

2016-01-29T15:55:00.000+00:00

Most kittens and cats are eager and happy to use the litter box. When we had new-born Siamese kittens years ago, we put down the top of a shoebox filled with litter for them to use, and those little guys went right into it to do their business at about four weeks of age. However, things do not always go as smoothly as this, and when your kitten or cat is avoiding the box, it is time to take a close look at what the problem might be.

Getting Your Feline Friend to Use the Litter Box

In a natural state, cats seek out dry, loose sand or soil in which to urinate and defecate. Avoiding litter box and inappropriate elimination should not be too hard for cats of any age. The following steps will help you to get your cat or kitten to use the litter box.

· In a normal state, cats look for waterless, loose sand or soil in which to urinate and defecate. If you provide a litter that mimics this, you will have a good chance of having your cat use the box without problem. Many cats do not like scented litter, so stick with an unscented brand at least until your cat is used to the box.

· Keep the box clean. Remove soiled litter every day, and the sooner the better. The litter in the box should be changed completely once a week and the litter pan washed.

· If you have more than one cat, provide a litter box for each one of them. Most cats are not fond of sharing the box with another.

· Choose a spot that the cat likes to use for elimination, preferably away from where the cat eats and drinks. Most cats like a bit of privacy, too, so placing the box in a more out-of-the-way spot can encourage use.

· Should your cat be resisting using the box, you can try confining the cat in a small room with the box available. In most cases, the cat will get the idea and start using the box.

· Kittens, especially, can be easily trained by using an attractant in the box until they become accustomed to using it.

The above steps refer to getting a cat or kitten to use the litter box to begin with. However, if you have a cat that has been using the litter box reliably and suddenly stops, there could be a medical problem involved and you should schedule a visit to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

You can actually stop your cat from peeing outside its litter box. All you have to do is try “Cat Spraying NoMore”. Cat Spraying No More a PROVEN step-by-step system guaranteed to stop your cat from peeing outside its litter box. You will discover how to use your cat’s own instincts to stop the problem. And it is also backed up by a 60-day money back guarantee, so there is no risk. Go hereto find out more…

How to Stop Your Puppy from Jumping Up

2016-01-20T14:23:00.000+00:00

Learning how to stop a puppy from jumping up is something you need to get onto straight away.

Puppies jumping up are a very natural thing that they do when they are little – to get attention – and in the wild to get fed by licking the Mother’s face to encourage food to be regurgitated. Showing your puppy that it does not get attention when it jumps is something that you should encourage from a very early age. Often it can seem like fun when a puppy is very small but when your dog grows to 35kg and can jump 5 foot high it is not so funny anymore.

If you do not stop the jumping when your puppy is little then when your puppy turns into a larger dog it soon turns into a more dominant display of demanding your attention!

If your puppy is jumping up, simply turn and walk away. Ignore your puppy, no eye contact, no speaking and no touching. Continue to ignore and then after your puppy has calmed down, wait for 5 minutes and then call your puppy to you. If your puppy does not stop then isolate your puppy by either leaving the room or by putting the puppy in another room.

Puppy Jumping Up on Visitors:

If your puppy is jumping on your visitors then ask them to do the same as described above. It may also help if you hold the puppy by its collar or on a lead until they relax – then release. If your puppy decides to mouth you then you should immediately isolate them in another room or a crate.

Puppy jumping up at you when you are getting ready for the walk:

Put the leash down and wait for 10 minutes or until your puppy is calm, then try again. This is important and although you are keen to go for a walk you should not rush it!

Relevant Ideas:

It is really necessary not to speak – to stay calm and not say a word when your puppy jumps up. Remember your puppy is an attention-seeking machine!

Space Jumping

Your puppy's jumping up and space invading is not its way of saying I love you!! Space is very important to a dog and if she can invade yours whenever she wants then she will lose respect for you.

How would you feel if a human constantly invaded your space! It is more similar than you think!! Start as you mean to go on. When your puppy is calm then you can call her and pick her up for a cuddle.

When you are ignoring your puppy keep your arms folded and walk past the puppy confidently and assertively.

The two most common mistakes:

· Inconsistency - sometimes puppy jumping up is given attention!

· People make eye contact - This invites your puppy over, so do not make eye contact, focus on something else.

Another trick that will help is to train your puppy to sit for everything! If you can get your puppy to practise lots of "sits" then her default behaviour will simply be to sit when you call her, and not jump!

For more information on puppy training then check The Online Dog Trainer it is a great source of fascinating information that covers off everything you need to know about raising a happy puppy using videos. CLICK HERE.

How to Remove Cat Urine Odour Tips

2015-12-04T15:29:00.000+00:00

There is no mistaking the heavy, ammonia smell of cat urine. Whether your cat is simply urinating wherever he or she wishes, or is spraying urine to mark territory, the result will be the same. This is a strong odour that will affect a surprisingly large area of the home, even if the problem area is relatively small. You should actually count yourself lucky if you are able to spot a puddle or a wet area on the rug or upholstery and begin treating it immediately. However, once the urine has dried, in most cases you will have to locate it by smell or by using a black light.

How to remove the Odour Once the Urine is Found

Once you find out the problem area, it is important to take some care to remove the urine as completely as possible; not only for the sake of your nose, but to discourage your cat of thinking of that particular spot as a bathroom.

The organic compounds found in cat urine can pose some problems in removing the odour - some of the compounds are water soluble, but the uric acid is not only capable of binding to adjacent surfaces, but is not soluble by water. Therefore when you find fresh urine you should:

· Wipe up the urine from hard surfaces with a paper towel and use the same to blot urine in furniture or rugs. Do not use cloth unless you are prepared to throw it away afterwards.

· An enzyme cleaner is your best choice for removing cat urine. These cleaners are specifically designed to break down the uric acid into ammonia and carbon dioxide, which will simply off-gas naturally afterwards.

· Do not try to hasten the drying process after using an enzyme cleaner since it interrupts the normal dissipation of the ammonia and carbon dioxide.

· Use the best enzyme cleaner possible - inexpensive cleaners often require multiple uses before they remove the odour of the cat urine.

· Be generous when applying the cleaner; you should soak the target area to allow the enzymes to really do their job.

· After leaving the cleaner on for approximately a quarter of an hour (15 minutes), blot it up, then let the spot dry naturally.

Although rugs are the usual areas where your cat may urinate, beds, sofas, and clothing can also be tainted. Use the same procedure on these as you did on your rug. Slipcovers and clothing should be washed separately after they have been treated with the enzyme cleaner. Spray marking will also be found on vertical surfaces such as a door frame or chair leg and these can also be cleaned using the enzyme cleaner with the procedures above.

You can actually stop your cat from peeing outside its litter box. All you have to do is try “Cat Spraying NoMore”.

Cat Spraying No More a PROVEN step-by-step system guaranteed to stop your cat from peeing outside its litter box. You will discover how to use your cat’s own instincts to stop the problem.

And it is also backed up by a 60-day money back guarantee, so there is no risk. Go here to find outmore…

How to Be the Pack Leader for Your Dog

2015-10-30T14:08:00.000+00:00

Of all the questions that people ask “how to become the pack leader” is the big one! This is by far the most important question on how to convince your dog that you are the person in charge. Think of the pack leader as the decision maker - where you should go on the walk, how to behave in different situations and how to respond to all the strange things that are out there.

When you understand how dogs' packs work you soon realize the importance, that pack leader makes all the decisions. If you leave it up to your dog then there is a big chance that your dog is going to get that something is very wrong and make a mistake!

In order to understand how to become the pack leader you must first recognize that the following means nothing to a dog:

· What car you drive.
· The size of your house.
· The money you earn. or
· The fact that you speak languages!

Your dog would happily swap all of that for a nice snack!

Asking your dog to sit before her dinner falls a long way short of what you need to be achieving to become the pack leader and walking through doorways is only necessary when your dog is on the lead.

Again, dominating your dog is certainly not the way to become the pack leader; in fact this can back fire badly on you later on if you teach your dog that physical strength is what it is all about. Whilst you may force your dog into submission it will not be convincing in your dog's mind that you are worthy of the position and that you should become the pack leader only that you are a bit of a bully.

So how do you become the pack leader? All dogs worldwide, regardless of breed use the same ways to check to establish the pack leader. The best way to learn about how to put it into practice is to watch it being done on video as I have done through one of the video based web sites. The important areas to take control in are the following:

The pack leader will be in total calm control when your dog barks and alerts you to danger. This includes anything that your dog may perceive as dangerous and barks at in and around the property.

On the walk your dog should not pull you at a single stage, even at the beginning! Learning to walk your dog properly can only really be learnt through video as I have found out!

· If you are the pack leader then your dog should be able to relax and switch off completely inside the house. If your dog is always switched on most of the time and cannot relax then that is your dog on pack leader duty!

Getting your dog to switch off is directly connected to how you meet and greet your dog after you return home. You need to watch it on video it is so subtle but it is the difference between being the pack leader or the follower.

Lastly, feeding your dog correctly will establish who the pack leader is and there is much more to it than asking your dog to sit! Also if you have a dog that is “not food motivated” then you may be in for a surprise!

There is one site that shows you – using video – exactly how to become the pack leader and how crucial it is to changing any behavioural issue.

If you want to understand more about this topic or see the videos that explain everything then simply take a look at The Online Dog Trainer here.

How can Pets develop Diabetes

2014-09-12T13:04:00.000+00:00

It is not only human beings who can develop diabetes, our lovely pets can also develop diabetes no matter how well we care for them and love them.

This is often a frightening situation for the owner of the pet and the first question that is usually asked of the veterinarian is ‘will your pet need to be put to sleep’. Of course this is a difficult situation and the response may vary depending on the age and health of your pet.

Many older pets that are diagnosed with diabetes go on to live many more happy years, however, this takes commitment and close care of your pet.

Cats and dogs with Diabetes can live just as long as perfectly healthy pets if the diabetes is diagnosed and treated properly by both the veterinarian and the pet owner.

This takes great commitment from the pet owner. Pets must be cared for and watched daily with a high level of care and patience.

The cat owner need to feed the cat every day and on time and not forget to do that until the next day. The pet owner need to ensure that the pet is given proper care when he or she is away on a trip outside home or town. This is because every day your pet will need medication, fed a proper diet and his behaviour will need to be monitored closely, so that the diabetic condition can be managed well.

Further, this does not mean you have to give up your job and stay home full time with your pet, but it does mean you will have to pay more attention to what your pet’s behaviour is and know what to do if the situation should change.

In addition, it is also more of a financial obligation to have a sick pet. So it is something that should be discussed in length with your veterinarian, so that you can keep your pet healthy and well medicated.

To a Healthy Pet,

Peace.

How to Select the Right Dog Breed

2014-01-03T00:34:00.000+00:00

The personality of dogs matters when it comes to a family with kids. A family with kids ideally needs an intelligent dog with a good temperament and moderate energy level. Certain breeds may be naturally good with kids. Here are just a few of many dog breeds that tend to do well with children:

· Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever:
These breeds are usually great with kids and pretty smart, but they can be very hyperactive if they do not get enough exercise.

· Poodle: Believe it or not, the Poodle is extremely smart and has a great temperament. Plus, you have a size choice – toy, miniature, or standard. Regular grooming is necessary.

· Bichon Frise: These little cotton-balls breed loves to play, but is not usually too hyper. It is also a small dog, which is perfect for your little humans. Regular grooming is necessary.

· Beagle: These dogs are friendly, clever and not too big, making them very suitable for kids. Though some can be a bit high-strung, they typically respond very well to training.

· Cairn Terrier: These active little dogs seem to have a natural affinity for kids. They can keep up with them and tolerate just about anything, but are still gentle.

· Collie and Shetland Sheepdog:

These are both very calm, gentle and tolerant breeds that often do well with children of all ages and sizes - kind of like Lassie.

· German Shepherd Dog: This breed is extremely loyal and protective, but MUST be well-trained. The German Shepherd Dog does have a playful side, especially at younger ages.

· Mixed-Breed Dogs: Mutts are typically well-balanced and intelligent. Overall, they are truly amazing dogs! Plus, you can save a dog from life in a shelter.

In addition, I will recommend this book "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds" it complements and gives more information on the above dog breeds. Armed with all these information, I am confident you will select the right Dog Breed for your family.

To end it all, do not forget to get your dog training programme today and download the dog training programme here.

How to learn to train dogs

2013-01-04T12:00:00.000+00:00

Dogs can be obedient servants when they are given very good training. Today we will read about dogs who are working like their owners. The two most specific jobs that dogs do is to search and rescue lost people and things during disasters and they are also used to search for drugs especially cocaine on suspected criminals at airport terminals.

Dog as a Searcher

Dogs are commonly used as search and rescue workers in cases of lost people and disasters. The St. Bernard was historically used in Europe in the case of avalanches and lost travelers. Search dogs are used in lost person searches each year saving human lives. Several breeds of dogs were used during World War I to locate wounded soldiers in the field.

Dog as a Rescuer

Several cities in Italy are experimenting with working dogs as rescue swimmers. In this situation, a strong and well-trained dog is equipped with flotation devices and dropped in the water near a floundering swimmer. The swimmer then grabs onto the dog, and the animal tows the swimmer to shore. The Newfoundland has long been used for water rescue, not only on shore, but from fishing boats as well.

Dog as a pet

The breeding of working dogs originated from selecting highly intelligent, hardy, alert mixed-breed dogs. Working dogs resulted when dogs with similar desirable characteristics, such as loyalty and good temperament, were bred. As a result, many working breeds are sought after as family pets.

Dog as a worker

Working dogs make excellent pets as long as potential owners realize that these dogs must be given 'work' to do. Dogs that are not to be used for their original purpose must be trained from a young age and are best suited to active persons and families. Obedience training, dog sports, informal or novelty shows, and trial work are all excellent channels for these breeds' energy. At the very least they must have daily walks or other exercise at an appropriate level for the breed, given toys, played with, and provided with human company.

Working dogs that are chained, left alone, or ignored become bored, vocal, and even neurotic; they may exhibit malaise, lethargy, destructive behavior or attempt to escape. Working dogs inappropriately chosen as pets are often surrendered to shelters for these reasons.

Armed with these good roles about dogs, I hope that we will take good care of our dogs and not leave them to stay away from us. I recommend this dog training guide for you to use to train your dog.

To your love for pets,
Peace.

How to take care of Cats

2012-12-07T12:30:00.000+00:00

Cats are pets that love to be at home with their owners. Cats are the most loving of all pets when it comes to loving their owners, sleeping on their lap, sofa, couch, or bed. Cats also love to stroke their fur against your hands or legs just to welcome you or get your attention.

Some tips on caring for cats include:

Tip No. 1 - Cats are pets which are neat naturally, they always leak their bodies to clean it and keep themselves looking healthy and sparkling.

Tip No. 2 - We must always send our cats to the veterinary to check their bodies against any infections. This helps us to know the health status of our cats.

Tip No. 3 - We must also give hygienic and nutritious foods to our cats to keep them healthy and strong. This helps to keep them away from diseases and infections.

In conclusion, caring for cats is as important us taking our bathe daily, so must keep them well for them to also look after us well. Cats are wonderful animals to live with and we must therefore take good care of them.

Are you looking for very good programme to help you to take care of your cat and stop it from defecating on your sofa or bed, from tearing the cushion or foam apart, then I will recommend this cat training guide, order for your guide today and start enjoying your cat with all its beauty and healthy body.

To your care for pets,
Peace.

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How to Select Cats – Some Traits to Look Out For

2012-10-27T23:08:00.000+00:00

Today, we will discuss the personality traits of Cats or Kittens and how this can help us to select the right kitten for our homes. In order to select the right Cat, we need to ask the shelter animal care workers about the personality and health of the cats that we want. This is because they have much experience with each one and know their quirks and lovable traits.

Also, we should learn to handle the selected cats we care, looking for the following traits as:

Approachability: Does the cat let you pick him/her up and hold him/her tightly? Will he/she sit on your lap?

Health: Is the cat in good health? Has he/she been spayed or neutered (if older than a kitten)? A neutered male will be likely to spray to mark territory.

Purring: Does the cat purr when happy?

Communication: Does the cat talk or communicate with humans?

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House worthy: Is the cat happy with living inside or will he/she keep trying to escape? Keeping a cat indoors will increase the lifespan of the cat and little birds outside.

Age of cat: A kitten will take a little more training to live with a human and will also have a lot more energy and curiosity. An old cat may not play very much, but will spend most of its time sleeping.

Use of claws: Is the cat conscious of being careful with you and retracting his/her claws when interacting with you?

Eye to Eye Communication: Does the cat look into your eyes when you talk with him/her?

Appearance: Does it look like the cat has good hygiene and takes care of his/her fur?

Amount of fur: More fur on a cat means more clean-ups for you around the house, and more brushing of the cat is usually necessary.

I hope that with these traits we will be able to help you to select the right cat that we need for our homes. To get more information on cat traits, visit this pet store to order for your copy of the encyclopedia of cats for your home.

How to care for Animals and Pets

2012-08-17T13:00:00.000+00:00

Pets are animals that we keep in our homes. Pets are animals that sometimes we cannot live without. Caring for pets must therefore be our first priority in order to keep them healthy and lively.

Some tips on how to care for pets are:

Tip No. 1 - Keep The Pets Clean

Pets are animals that we live within our homes and houses. They normally want to sit on our laps; sleep on our sofa, couch or bed, they also love to stroke their bodies against our legs and hands. We must ensure that we always wash and disinfect our pets so that they always look sparkling esp. our dogs.

Tip No. 2 - Keep The Pets Healthy

We must always keep our pets healthy by sending them to the veterinary. Here they will be checked if they have infections and be treated.

Visit the all pet supplies store to get your guide on how to care for pets at home.

Tip No. 3 - Give The Pets Food On Time

The pets that we keep have different tastes for food that we give them. Pets should be given their food on time; this helps to keep them calm and healthy. We must ensure that the food we them is hygienic and nutritious. The food gives them nutrients which keep their bodies sparkling and shiny.

Tip No. 4 - Give The Pets Shelter

Pets sometimes feel the way we feel as humans and therefore will love their own shelter. When pets have their own shelter, they sleep and care for their young ones there. It also makes our homes and houses clean as they do not defecate anyhow but only at designated places.

To learn more on how to keep your animals and pets, sign up and keep on reading articles from this blog. I will recommend this program to support the above tips. Also visit the all pet supplies store to get your care for pets guide today.

Why train your Dog?

2012-04-20T23:41:00.000+00:00

Dogs are a cool animal to be used a pet. It is one of the pets that gets personalized with their owners. A dog can put its head on the owner’s laps, dogs love stroking of their head and body; dogs love to sit with their owners; dogs love to protect their owners’ property.

Some tips on the relevance of training a Dog:

Ø A well-trained dog is a good servant; it can go out to call a friend for you;

Ø A well-trained dog can sense it when there is danger looming ahead;

Ø A well-trained Dog is very sensitive to the mood swings of their owners; and

Ø A dog indeed can look smart when the owner takes good care of it.

One (1) Secret about dogs – “If you do not take good care of your dog, it will run away from you and become a stray dog outside”. A dog can even hurt you if you do not care properly for it.

So if you want your dog to look smart and well cared for, I recommend this dog training programme for you, where I was able to learn how to train my dog to become humble and smart, you will love the outcome.

How to employ Dogs

2012-02-24T23:42:00.000+00:00

The following list continues the various uses of dogs as outlined in previous post and these roles are also eight (8) in number:

Hunting dogs assist hunters in finding, tracking, and retrieving game, or in routing vermin. Less frequently a dog, or rather or a pack of them, actually fights a predator, such as a bear or feral pig.

Guard dogs and watch dogs help to protect private or public property, either in living or used for patrols, as in the military and with security firms.

Tracking dogs help find lost people and animals or track down possible criminals.

Cadaver dog or Human Remains Detection Dogs use their scenting ability to discover bodies or human remains at the scenes of disasters, crimes, accidents, or suicides.

Detection dogs of a wide variety help to detect termites in homes, illegal substances in luggage, bombs, chemicals, and many other substances.

War Dogs or K9 Corps are used by armed forces in many of the same roles as civilian working dogs, but in a military context. In addition, specialized military tasks such as mine detection or wire laying have been assigned to dogs. Military Working Dog is the more formal, current term for dogs trained for use in military tasks.

Police dogs, also sometimes called K9 Units, are usually trained to track or immobilize possible criminals while assisting officers in making arrests or investigating the scene of a crime. Some are even specially trained for anti-terrorist units, as in Austria.

Dogs are sometimes used in programs to assist children in learning how to read. The Reading with Rover program in Washington pairs trained dogs with children who read aloud to the dog. This process builds confidence and reduces stress.

Hope this helps you, in your decision to acquire a dog for your home. Keep on following and reading this blog for a lot of information on pets. Get your copy of the uses of dogs book now. You will love it and it will help you.

How to train Dogs to care for you

2012-02-17T09:42:00.000+00:00

Dogs are animals that we keep in our homes as pets. They are the domesticated specie in the canine family. Dogs are sensitive to noise and natural disasters.

They have intuitive abilities that help them to detect danger even when it is very far away. It also aids them to be endeared to their owners or care-takers. Dogs when trained well can be very serviceable.

Some tips on caring for dogs are elaborated below:

- Ensure that you give the dog his food on time and at the right place. When they are fed well, it makes them more loyal and responsive to their owners;

- Dogs should be cleaned often by washing them with antiseptic solution because most dogs love to play in the sand or on the park. This keeps the dogs healthy and keeps them away from any infections; and

- Train the dogs very well so that they can help you in diverse ways. Dogs are serviceable animals or pets. They love to assist their owners in hunting or protecting their properties.

Have you tried many programmes for training dogs but no avail, then I will recommend this dog training programme for you. Grab your online video copy and train your dog the right way you want and you will love the results.

Take care of your dog,
Peace.

History of Cat Food

2011-12-23T16:05:00.000+00:00

The idea of preparing specialized food for cats came later than for dogs (see dog biscuits and dog food). This was very probably due to the idea that cats could readily fend for themselves.

In 1837, a French writer critiqued this idea:

It is... thought wrongly that the cat, ill-fed, hunts better and takes more mice; this too is a grave error. The cat who is not given food is feeble and malingering; as soon as he has bitten into a mouse, he lies down to rest and sleep; while well fed, he is wide awake and satisfies his natural taste in chasing all that belongs to the rat family.

In 1844, another French writer expanded on this idea:

Normally in the country no care is taken of a cat's food, and he is left to live, it is said, from his hunting, but when he is hungry, he hunts the pantry's provisions far more than the mouse; because he does not pursue them and never watches them by need, but by instinct and attraction. And so, to neglect feeding a cat, is to render him at the same time useless and harmful, while with a few scraps regularly and properly given, the cat will never do any damage, and will render much service.

He goes on to say that it is all the more unreasonable to expect a cat to live from hunting in that cats take mice more for amusement than to eat: "A good cat takes many and eats few".

Visit the all pets supplies shop to learn more on cat traits, cat types and foods for cats.

By 1876, Gordon Stables emphasized the need to give cats particular food:

If then, only for the sake of making (a cat) more valuable as a vermin-killer, she ought to have regular and sufficient food. A cat ought to be fed at least twice a day. Let her have a dish to herself, put down to her, and removed when the meal is finished. Experience is the best teacher as regards the quantity of a cat's food, and in quality let it be varied. Oatmeal porridge and milk, or white bread steeped in warm milk, to which a little sugar has been added, are both excellent breakfasts for puss; and for dinner she must have an allowance of flesh. Boiled lights are better for her than horse-meat, and occasionally let her have fish.

Teach your cat to wait patiently till she is served—a spoiled cat is nearly as disagreeable as a spoiled child. If you want to have your cat nice and clean, treat her now and then to a square inch of fresh butter. It not only acts as a gentle laxative, but, the grease, combining in her mouth, with the alkalinity of her saliva, forms a kind of natural cat-soap, and you will see she will immediately commence washing herself, and become beautifully clean.

(N.B.—If you wish to have a cat nicely done up for showing, touch her all over with a sponge dipped in fresh cream, when she licks herself the effect is wonderful.) Remember that too much flesh-meat, especially liver,—which ought only to be given occasionally,—is very apt to induce a troublesome diarrhoea (looseness). Do not give your pet too many tit-bits at table; but whatever else you give her, never neglect to let her have her two regular meals.

In the same year, an ad for Spratt (better known for making dog food) said that their cat food entirely superseded "the unwholesome practice of feeding on boiled horse flesh; keeps the cat in perfect health."

And in another book on cats Stables recommended the company's food:

Attend to the feeding, and, at a more than one-day show, cats ought to have water as well as milk. I think boiled lights, cut into small pieces, with a very small portion of bullock's liver and bread soaked, is the best food; but I have tried Spratt's Patent Cat Food with a great number of cats, both of my own and those of friends, and have nearly always found it agree; and at a cat show it would, I believe, be both handy and cleanly.

Spratt, which began by making dog biscuits, appears to also have been the first commercial producer of cat food.

For more information on Cat traits, types and Cat foods, visit the all pets supplies shop to choose your needed resources today.

How to buy Commercial Cat Food

2011-12-20T15:06:00.000+00:00

Most store-bought cat food comes in either dry form, also known in the US as kibble, or wet canned form. Some manufacturers sell frozen raw diets and premix products to cater to owners who feed raw.

Dry Food

Dry food (8-10% moisture) is generally made by extrusion cooking under high heat and pressure. Fat may then be sprayed on the food to increase palatability, and other minor ingredients, such as heat-sensitive vitamins, which would be destroyed in the extrusion process, may be added.

Wet Food

Wet (Canned) cat food example (Fish flakes in jelly)

Canned or wet food (75-78% moisture) generally comes in common can sizes of 3 oz (85 g), 5.5 oz (156 g), and 13 oz (369 g). It is also sold in foil pouch form by some manufacturers.

Dry vs Wet Food

Cats generally do not chew their food and usually only crunch once or twice before it is swallowed.

Visit the All Pet Supplies shop to check out the type of food Pet foods available.

Vegetarian or Vegan Food

There are vegetarian and vegan cat foods available. Vegetarian cat food usually is fortified with nutrients such as taurine and arachidonic acid.^[10] Some vegetarian cat food brands are labeled by their manufacturers as meeting AAFCO's Cat Food Nutrient Profile.

Labeling

In the United States, cat foods labeled as "complete and balanced" must meet standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) either by meeting a nutrient profile or by passing a feeding trial. Cat Food Nutrient Profiles were established in 1992 and updated in 1995 by the AAFCO's Feline Nutrition Expert Subcommittee. The updated profiles replaced the previous recommendations set by the National Research Council (NRC). Certain manufacturers label their products with terms such as premium, ultra-premium, natural and holistic. Such terms currently have no legal definitions.

You can get more information on how to buy commercial cat food by ordering for your copy here.

How to Select A Child-Friendly Dog in 5 Steps

2011-11-24T16:00:00.000+00:00

The common question that most parents or guardians asked is “What is the best dog for kids?” however, there is no definite answer. In theory, almost any dog has the potential to get along well with kids. One can think about which breeds might be best for kids, but you just never know how each individual dog will turn out. There are many factors that affect a dog’s ability to get along well with kids. Here are five (5) things that you will need to consider before you get a family dog.

Training

Obedience Training is absolutely essential! Make sure someone in the home can spend a lot of time training the new dog, especially if it is a puppy. If a child wishes to participate in training, it should be done under the supervision of an adult. In addition, the children in the household will need to be taught how to conduct themselves around dogs.

Age and Size

Think about the ages and activity levels of your children. Toddlers can be knocked over by an awkward, gangly puppy who does not know his own size. Bigger kids could crush a small dog if they are not always careful. You may wish to consider getting an adult dog that has been around children - a puppy needs a lot of extra attention.

Personality

A family with kids ideally needs an intelligent dog with a good temperament and moderate energy level. Certain breeds may be naturally good with kids.

Finding the Family Dog

When it is time to look for a dog, try visiting local rescue groups. Ask about dogs that have been in foster care. Their foster "parents" know and love them. Since they want the dogs to go to the right homes, they tend to be very honest about the dogs' personalities and temperaments. You can ask the rescue workers to guide you towards dogs that fit your kids' lifestyles. If you want a purebred dog, go to a reputable breed-specific rescue. Otherwise, you can go to a general rescue group with a good reputation.

If you choose to get a purebred dog from a breeder, thoroughly research the reputations of multiple breeders. Ask for references and talk to fellow dog lovers in your community. Your veterinary may also be able to advise you. Once you choose a breeder, spend a lot of time talking about the temperament and socialization history of the pups. A good breeder will know the pups and parents well and share information freely.

Home at Last

Congratulations, you have found a new dog for your family. Having a dog is a wonderful way to enrich your child’s development and create beautiful memories to be treasured for years to come. The bond between dogs and kids can be wonderful. Remember, though - your work is not done. In fact, it will never be. Training your dog and your children together is a life-long project. Responsible Dog Ownership goes hand-in-hand with Responsible Parenting.

Armed with these five (5) steps you can now get your family a wonderful dog that suits both the kids and their needs.

Take Care!!!

How to Use Dogs

2011-11-18T20:59:00.000+00:00

In modern times, dogs are kept as pets, however, there are still a tremendous number of ways in which dogs can and do assist humans, and more uses are found for them every year.

The following list provides ideas of the versatility of dogs and we will look at the eight (8) roles of dogs:

Turnspit Dogs were used as a Source of Power, they turned a treadmill connected to a roasting spit. Similar arrangements were used for household duties such as churning butter.

Service Or Assistance Dogs help people with various disabilities in everyday tasks. Some examples include mobility assistance dogs for the physically handicapped, guide dogs for the visually impaired, and hearing dogs for the hearing impaired.

Therapy Dogs visit people who are incapacitated or prevented in some way from having freedom of movement; these dogs provide cheer and entertainment for the elderly in retirement facilities, the ill and injured in hospitals, and so on. The very act of training dogs can also act as a therapy for human handlers, as in a prisoner rehabilitation project.

Rescue Dogs assist people who are in difficult situations, such as in the water after a boat disaster.

Search Dogs locate people who are missing; lost in the wilderness, escaped from nursing homes, covered in snow avalanches, buried under collapsed buildings, etc.

Herding Dogs are still invaluable to sheep and cattle handlers (stockmen) around the world for mustering; different breeds are used for the different jobs involved in stock work and for guarding the flocks and herds. Modern herding dogs help to control cattle and wild geese in parks or goats used for weed control. A well trained dog can adapt to control any sort of domestic and many wild animals.

Sled Dogs, although today primarily used in sporting events, still can assist in transporting people and supplies in rugged, snowy terrain.

Performing Dogs such as Circus dogs and dog actors are trained to perform acts that are not intrinsically useful, but instead provide entertainment to their audience or enable human artistic performances.

I hope that after we have read and learnt about the various roles of dog, it will motivate us to care for our dogs well, train our dogs well and feed our dogs well. Visit the all pet supplies shop to order for your dog products today.

How to find out Food Allergies and Intolerance in Cats

2011-11-16T17:22:00.000+00:00

Today, we continue with the food allergies and intolerance in Cats from the previous post, http://careforpetsandanimals.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-know-food-allergies-and.html.

Food Trials and Elimination Diets

A food trial consists of feeding a cat a novel food source of protein and carbohydrate for 12 weeks. A novel food source would be a protein and carbohydrate that the animal had never eaten before. Examples would include duck and potato, or venison and potato. There are a number of such commercial diets available on the market.

In addition, there are specialized diets that have the proteins and carbohydrates broken down into such small molecular sizes that they no longer would trigger an allergic response. These are termed 'limited antigen' or 'hydrolyzed protein' diets. Homemade diets are often used, as the ingredients can be carefully restricted. Regardless of the diet used, it must be the only thing the animal eats for 12 weeks. This means no treats, no flavored medications; absolutely nothing but the special food and water. In addition, the cat should not be allowed to roam, which may result in him having access to food or garbage.

Visit the all pet supplies shop to get more information on food allergies and treatment guides for your pets today.

Veterinarians used to recommend that a pet only needed to be placed on a special diet for 3 weeks but new studies show that in dogs, only 26% of those with food allergies responded by day 21. However, the vast majority of the animals responded by 12 weeks. The same may be true in cats, therefore, it is very important to keep the cat on the diet for the entire 12 weeks.

If the cat shows a marked reduction or elimination of the symptoms, then the animal is placed back on the original food. This is called 'provocative testing' and is essential to confirm the diagnosis. If the symptoms return after going back on the original diet, the diagnosis of a food allergy is confirmed. If there has been no change in symptoms but a food allergy is still strongly suspected, then another food trial using a different novel food source could be tried.

Blood Testing

There is no evidence that blood tests are accurate for the diagnosis of food allergies. Veterinary dermatologists insist that there is no merit in these tests whatsoever in the diagnosis of food allergies. The only way to accurately diagnose food allergies is with a food trial as detailed above. While the intradermal skin testing is excellent for diagnosing atopy (inhalant allergies) it is ineffective for food allergies. While specialized blood tests can be used to help in the diagnosis of atopy, they have no benefit in diagnosing food allergies. In our review of all the current books and articles on veterinary dermatology and allergies, we could not find a single dermatologist that endorsed anything other than the food trial as an effective diagnostic aid. If you want to diagnose and treat food allergies you must do a food trial.

Treatment

The treatment for food allergies is avoidance. Once the offending ingredients have been identified through a food trial, then they are eliminated from the diet. Short-term relief may be gained with fatty acids, antihistamines, and steroids, but elimination of the products from the diet is the only long-term solution. The owner of the animal has two choices. They can choose to feed the animal a special commercially prepared diet or a homemade diet.

Visit the all pet supplies shop to get more information on food allergies and treatment guides for your pets today.

If the owner chooses to feed the homemade diet, then they can periodically challenge the pet with new ingredients and determine which ingredients are causing the food allergy. For example, if the animal's symptoms subsided on a diet of rabbit and potatoes, then the owner could add chicken to the diet for two weeks. If the animal showed no symptoms, then they could then add beef for two weeks. If the animal began to show symptoms, then it could be assumed that beef was one of the things the pet was allergic to. The beef could be withdrawn and after the symptoms cleared up, a different ingredient could be added and so on, until all of the offending ingredients were identified. A diet could then be formulated that was free of the offending food sources.

If homemade diets are used, it is essential that they be balanced, with correct amount of ingredients, vitamins, and minerals. Homemade diets for such long term use should be developed by a veterinary nutritionist.

Be aware that some pets with food allergies may develop allergies to new foods if they are fed those foods long enough. If you see signs of food allergies returning, consult your veterinarian. (Courtesy - Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.)

Armed with this information, I hope you will now visit this pet store to get the right food for your cats and other pets at home.

How to know Food Allergies and Intolerance in Cats

2011-11-10T12:46:00.000+00:00

Food allergies account for about 10% of all the allergies seen in cats and dogs. It is the third most common cause after flea bite allergies and atopy (inhalant allergies) Food allergies account for 57% of the causes of itching and scratching in cats.

The entire process of a pet being sensitized to a particular agent in food and the complicated antibody response that occurs in the intestinal tract in pets with food allergies are not very well understood.

Despite our lack of understanding of the actual disease process, there are many things that we do know including the symptoms, how to diagnose food allergies, and also how to treat them.

Food allergies affect both cats and dogs. Unlike atopy, there is no strong link between specific breeds and food allergies. Food allergies affect both males and females and neutered and intact animals equally. They can show up as early as five months and as late as 12 years of age, though the vast majority of cases occur between 2 and 6 years. Many animals with food allergies also have concurrent inhalant or contact allergies.

Visit the all pet supplies store to order for your special food for your pets and animals at home.

The Difference between Food Allergy Or Intolerance

There is a distinction that needs to be made between food allergies and food intolerances. Food allergies are true allergies and show the characteristic symptoms of itching and skin problems associated with feline and canine allergies. Food intolerances can result in diarrhoea or vomiting and do not create a typical allergic response. Food intolerances in pets would be similar to people who get diarrhoea or an upset stomach from eating spicy or fried foods. Fortunately, both food intolerances and allergies can be eliminated with a diet free from offending agents.

Common Food Culprits

Several studies have shown that some ingredients are more likely to cause food allergies than others. In cats, the most common offenders are beef, lamb, seafood, corn, soy, dairy products and wheat gluten. As you may have noticed, the most common offenders are the most common ingredients in both cat and dog foods. This correlation is not a coincidence. While some proteins might be slightly more antigenic than others, many proteins are similar in form and the incidence of allergic reactions is probably associated with the amount of exposure.

Symptoms

The symptoms of food allergies are similar to those of most other allergies seen in cats. The primary symptom is itchy skin. Symptoms may also include hair loss, excessive scratching, and miliary dermatitis.

It is difficult to distinguish an animal suffering from food allergies from an animal suffering from atopy or other allergies based on physical signs. However, there are a few ssigns that increase the suspicion that food allergies may be present. If a cat suffers from allergies year-round or if symptoms begin in the winter, I suspect a food allergy. With food allergies, cats may develop very itchy skin which does not respond to steroid treatment.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis for food allergies is very straightforward. But due to the fact that many other problems can cause similar symptoms and that many times animals are suffering from more problems than just food allergies, it is very important that all other problems are properly identified and treated prior to undergoing diagnosis for food allergies. Atopy, flea bite allergies, intestinal parasite hypersensitivities, notoedric mange, yeast or bacterial infections, or seborrhoea can all cause similar symptoms as food allergies. Once all other causes have been ruled out or treated, then it is time to perform a food trial.

This is part one (1) of the food allergies and intolerance in cats, we will continue in our next post on food trials and elimination diets and others which causes intolerance in cats. Visit this site to order for your special food for your pets and animals at home.

How to know which Foods are Dangerous to your Pet

2011-11-04T16:54:00.000+00:00

Some foods which are edible for humans, and even dogs, can pose hazards for cats because of their different metabolism. Some may cause only mild digestive upsets, whereas, others can cause severe illness, and even death. The following common food items should not be fed (intentionally or unintentionally) to cats. This list is, of course, incomplete because we cannot possibly list everything your cat should not eat.

Items to avoid	Reasons to avoid
Alcoholic beverages	Can cause intoxication, coma, and death.
Baby food	Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to cats fed baby food for an extended period of time. (Please see onion below.) Can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.
Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources	Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.
Canned tuna (for human consumption)	Large amounts can cause malnutrition, since it lacks proper levels of vitamins and minerals. It can also lead to thiamine deficiency (see 'Fish' below).
Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine	Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea and be toxic to the heart and nervous system.
Citrus oil extracts	Can cause vomiting.
Dog food	If accidental ingestion, will not cause a problem; if fed repeatedly, may result in malnutrition and diseases affecting the heart.
Fat trimmings	Can cause pancreatitis.
Fish (raw, canned or cooked)	If fed exclusively or in high amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death.
Grapes, raisins and currants	Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.
Human vitamin supplements containing iron	Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.
Macadamia nuts	Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.
Marijuana	Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate.
Milk and other dairy products	Some adult cats and dogs may develop diarrhea if given large amounts of dairy products.
Moldy or spoiled food, garbage	Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and can also affect other organs.
Mushrooms	Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.
Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder)	Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.
Persimmons	Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.
Raw eggs	Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
Raw meat	May contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Rhubarb leaves	Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.
Salt	If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
String	Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body."
Sugary foods	Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.
Table scraps (in large amounts)	Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.
Tobacco	Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death.
Yeast dough	Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

To get more information on pet foods, visit the all pet supplies store. You will find other useful resources that will help in keeping your pets healthy and beautiful.

How to Use Cats

2011-10-31T23:22:00.000+00:00

The uses of Cats in History have never been underestimated. Today we will learn about the various used of cats. Though the many uses of cats are more in the past and in our history, it is worth noting those uses.

Role No. 1 - The Important Role of Cats in Times of War

Although the role of cats in warfare has usually been confined to food protection and moral support, they have occasionally been put to more unconventional uses.

Cats have always been welcome on battlefields and battleships for their ability to protect food stores from rodents. They have also been appreciated as stress reducers, providing love, affection, and comic relief for soldiers. During WWI, cats were considered so valuable to the war effort that a ration of powdered milk (funded by the British and U.S. public) was provided to “all cats engaged in work of national importance.”

In addition to the more conventional roles cats have played in times of war, military strategists have occasionally come up with unusual plans to gain a strategic advantage. From the epic victory of the Persian army to the miserable failure of the CIA’s ill-fated feline cyborg project, the use of cats in warfare has had an interesting history.

Role No. 2 - Cats as Early Warning Systems

The ancient Persians defeated the Egyptian army using a simple ploy. Aware of the Egyptian reverence for felines, Persian soldiers gathered all the cats they could find and released them onto the battlefield, and the Egyptians chose to surrender rather than endanger them. Although cats never again led to the defeat of an entire army, they often proved useful as warfare grew more technologically complex.

Over the past century, cats were often used to alert soldiers and citizens to war-related dangers – for example, the presence of poisonous gas – and from time to time, cats have provided early warnings of impending bomb attacks.

Andrew, the Allied Forces Mascot Club’s mascot, saved lives with his acute senses. Based in London during WWII, the large tabby always seemed to know in advance when a bomb would come crashing down nearby. When Andrew ran for cover, the humans around him did likewise.

Another British cat, the aptly named Bomber, had the helpful ability of being able to distinguish between the sounds of distant German and British planes. Thus, he was able to alert those around him when the enemy was approaching so that they could get out of harm’s way.

During the German siege of Stalingrad (1941-1943), a cat named Mourka was also used to warn of enemy emplacements by carrying messages from Russian Scouts.

Role No. 3 - Cats as Good Luck Charms in Times of War

In addition to their practical uses, cats may have provided more intangible benefits in times of war. Colonel Fred J. Christensen, a WWII flying ace credited with the destruction of 22 German warplanes, attributed his good fortune to his flying companion – a black cat named Sinbad who often flew in the cockpit on Christensen’s missions.

In addition to Christensen’s stellar record, a particular incident enhanced Sinbad’s reputation as a good luck charm. When a photographer attempted to photograph the cat for a news story, Sinbad refused to cooperate, instead playing amongst a batch of parachutes. Later, all pilots whose parachutes had been touched by Sinbad not only returned safely, but also achieved many victories in the air.

Sinbad survived the war without incident and in 1944 went to live with Christenson and his family in the United States. He eventually surprised his owners by producing a litter of kittens, proving that he had been female all along.

Although considered good luck in many parts of the world, black cats have historically been perceived as unlucky in the United States. This superstition led a Pennsylvania family to send their black cat over to Europe during WWII, hoping that he would cross Hitler’s path.

Hope you have enjoyed reading this post and learning about the uses of cats, do follow this blog for the rest of the uses of cats in our next blog.

How to Choose a Cat or Kitten

2011-10-26T23:40:00.000+00:00

Here are a few tips for finding, selecting and taking care of a great cat companion that will entertain, amuse, and keep you company for many years to come.

Cats are great companions, full of fun behaviour that will surprise you, often mimicking wild Big Cat Behaviour. They are relatively easy to care for and will return every bit of love you bestow on them. They will keep you company, like a dog, wherever you go in the home. Here are some tips on choosing and caring for a cat or kitten.

Visit a Shelter

First, go to a shelter, preferably a no-kill animal shelter, like the Lange Foundation in Los Angeles, which keeps cats and never euthanizes them unnecessarily. Support of such shelters will help other cats at their facility. If there is not a no-kill shelter near you, try a regular animal shelter, where a loveable cat may be on death row.

Let the Cat Adjust Gradually

Once you have selected a good cat, it will take time for the cat to adjust to a new environment and accept you as its keeper and companion. When you bring the cat home, keep it in the bathroom for a few days with food, water and kitty litter. Spend a lot of time with him/her, talking, stroking and holding him/her until you feel that the cat knows you and is happy to be with you.

You can gradually let the cat out into a little larger area of the house with an easy path back to the kitty litter, but be prepared for the cat to hide under the bed or in a corner at the beginning. Cat-proof the home as cats are climbers, make sure that valuables are safely in cabinets behind glass doors.

Prepare Lots Of Fresh Water

Cats love to hunt for water, so keeping it in a couple of places is fun for the cat and may assure that he/she drinks often. Drinking water frequently is important to good cat health. Pick a premium brand of cat food; dry food is best, but a combination can be good too, especially if your cat prefers moist food. Don't feed the cat human or dog food, most of it is unhealthy for the cat.

Get a Clumping Litter

Clumping litter is much better for hiding the odour than the regular cat litter. Clumping litter is more hygienic and does not need to be changed frequently, just scoop out the lumps daily. Regular cat litter needs to be changed and replaced once a week. Scented cat litter, such as lavender-scented clumping litter, can be very pleasant for the home.

Hold And Talk With Your Cat Often

If the cat does something wrong like bite you, look at the cat, hopefully eye-to-eye and firmly say “No!” For really bad behaviour, a spray bottle with water usually stops the actions immediately. Your response needs to immediately follow the bad behaviour for the cat to understand and learn. Be patient and kind with your cat and learn to understand cat behaviour. Praise the cat often for good behaviour and to show your adoration, he/she will love your affection and respond with devotion. When the cat approaches you for attention, give it to him/her.

Play Often With Him/Her

It does not take much to keep a cat amused—a grocery paper bag or box to climb into, or something tied to the end of a string that can be dragged around the floor or that the cat can jump for. Groom the cat with a brush, it helps to loosen and take out old fur and feels great for the cat. It is also a good idea to provide a cat climbing tree or condo where the cat can climb, sleep, act like a monkey and scratch or sharpen their claws, the taller the better.

Accept Each Other’s Habits

Give yourself and the cat one year to adjust to each other and accept each other’s habits. There is a lot that you will learn from each other. Every cat has a very unique personality that you will learn to love. After this amount of time, behaviour problems will be ironed out and you both will be bonded.