Knowledgeable RedCat

8 Must-Have Ingredients for Your Homemade Cat Food Recipe

2012-01-30T16:48:00.000-05:00

By Ronalimsy

If you want to know exactly what your cat is being fed each day, then the best way is to prepare a homemade cat food recipe yourself. However, for your cat to remain healthy, it is important to ensure that your homemade cat food recipe includes sufficient animal protein, calcium, phosphorus, iodine and vitamins. This is usually obtained from red meat, liver, kidney, heart, chicken and sometimes milk.

Generally, raw food contains more nutrients as cooking destroys some vitamins, especially vitamin B. If you are squeamish about feeding raw food to your cat and intend to feed your cat cooked food instead, then you may need to provide pet food supplements in your cat's diet. Your vet will be able to advise you on appropriate pet food supplements, based on your homemade cat food diet.

Here are some important ingredients which you should incorporate into your homemade cat food diet:

INGREDIENT #1 - Meat and Meat By-Products

Both red and white meat contains protein, B-group vitamins, fat and energy. Highest sources of protein are beef, chicken (meat) and liver, followed by heart, chicken skin, lamb, kidney and chicken necks.

All types of meat are deficient in vitamin A therefore, it is good to feed liver to your cat as it is rich in vitamin A. However, liver should not be more than 10% of your cat food diet as too much vitamin A can lead to skeletal problems and other abnormal bone growth. If you are worried about an overdose of vitamin A, feed cooked liver to your cat instead of raw liver. Or as a rough guide, feed raw liver not more than once a week.

INGREDIENT #2 - Fish

It is good to have a mix of the 2 main types of fish: white fish and fatty/oily fish (such as tuna). White fish is leaner but is weak in vitamins A, D, E and K.

Fatty and oily fish on the other hand, contain high levels of vitamins A and D but your cat may suffer a case of steatites (a painful inflammation of fat deposits under the skin) if it is fed too much fatty fish.

In the case of fish, it is advisable to cook the fish first. Raw fish contains thiaminase, an enzyme which destroys thiamine, an important vitamin B. Cooking destroys thiaminase and helps to retain more vitamins in the food.

Whole fish (including the bones) is very nutritional cat food as fish bones contain calcium and phosphorus. However, to prevent fish bones from getting caught in your cat's teeth or throat, it is good to soften the bones first. You can do this by pressure cooking, boiling or stewing.

INGREDIENT #3 - Eggs

Eggs are high in animal protein, iron, vitamins, fats and carbohydrates and are ideal to include in your homemade cat food. However, too much may be harmful as the egg whites contain avidin which destroys a B vitamin that is essential for good hair and skin health and proper muscle function.

As a general guide, feed raw egg not more than once a week. If you feed the egg yolk only, then you may increase this to no more than 3 times a week.

INGREDIENT #4 - Milk, Cheese and Yoghurt

Dairy products are high in protein, fat, carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and the B vitamins.

Kittens generally like warmed milk and cream. But as they mature, they become lactose-intolerant and may develop diarrhea. You can get low-lactose cat milk which is available in supermarkets. Cream is fattening and too much may result in an obese cat.

Cheese may be a better dairy alternative as it does not contain lactose. However, some cats do not appreciate the taste and will not eat it.

INGREDIENT #5 - Fats and Oils

Fats are essential in your homemade cat food to ensure your cat's skin doesn't become itchy, dry and scurfy.

Good sources are safflower or corn oil and fish fats. Safflower is the preferred choice.

INGREDIENT #6 - Vegetables

Vegetables provide vitamin C and some are rich in B vitamins. It also provides fibre which should form about 5% of your homemade cat food diet. Mix vegetables with meat or fish and cook it as a stew. Most cats will eat the vegetables if cooked this way.

INGREDIENT #7 - Grains

Grains provide carbohydrate, proteins, minerals and vitamins. Good sources are:

Wheatgerm - thiamine, vitamin E
Yeast - B vitamins, minerals, recommended for older cats
Rice - most cats will eat this and it is a good base for mixing with meat and fish
Wheat, oats, barley - higher protein content and less fattening than rice

INGREDIENT #8 - Water

Lastly, and probably more important than any of the above, a fresh clean supply of water must always be available. Generally, your cat will need about 40ml of water per kg of body weight. However, environmental temperature, your cat's consumption of dry food and ailments may require you to adjust accordingly.

Your cat is an individual and will have its own likes and dislikes. Different pedigrees may also have different requirements. It is always advisable to check with your vet and seek professional advice before preparing your homemade cat food.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/ - Free Articles Directory

About the Author

For more information on giving the best cat care for your cat, visit http://www.My-Pet-Cat.com

Dog Micro Chip - Dog Training

2012-01-30T16:35:00.000-05:00

You'd be surprised how many dogs go missing each year around the world when their perfectly good owner has a brief laps in concentration and the dog ends up running away after a squirrel or other animal never to be seen again.

You might think that it will never happen to you because you're too careful and never take your eyes of the dog, but believe me it will happen a lot quicker than expected and could have devastating consequences.

Although your dog might have run off and disobeyed your commands when they went this doesn't mean that you're a bad trainer or have no control over your dog, but these things do happen and unless your dog is an extremely well behaved and trained dog not much can stop them from chasing something when they're in the mood.

This is where the micro chip comes in; the dog micro chip is a small soda limed glass tube that gets inserted into your dog containing a chip, antenna, and capacitor. These are used together to hold vital information about your dog or the dog in hand so that people all over the world can trace the ownership of this dog back to you at your home.

The chip does not hold a complete profile of your dog but only a I.D. number that then gives access to the information via a database which can be reached from the majority of pet and dog specialists, kennels and shelters all over the world.

It takes just a few seconds to insert the chip and it hurts your dog no more than a regular vaccination procedure and for this your get the security and ease of mind knowing that your dog can be reached and found anywhere in the world, and for me that's worth it.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/ - Free Articles Directory

About the Author

For more information on dog training and health, or web link exchanges visit the dog-behavior-training.co.uk website at this link...Dog Training.

Cool Tools for Pet Pests

2012-01-30T16:19:00.001-05:00

By Gregory Franklyn

There are LOTS of products to protect your dogs, cats, ferrets, mice, rats etc., and if you give me a minute I'll be more than happy to sell you all of them, but today I'm out to save you some money, get you much closer to your pet, and eliminate the need for my own Flea & Tick products. Here's a few tips you can easily use to deal with Ticks, Fleas and other small insect parasites that, literally, LIVE to hitch a ride on your little loved ones.

Eucalyptus: I've had 2 separate successful incidents of eliminating a flea infestation in my home using this common tree. By Infestation I mean fleas jumping on my bare feet while just walking through a room. It got that bad because we did NOT want to use an insecticide at all, let alone INSIDE our house! I did a lot of research on natural methods of dealing with fleas and ticks. Most were a bust, but we did find a write-up in Jethro Kloss' "Back to Eden" that suggested using Eucalyptus.

Here's what we did: There happened to be a grove of Eucalyptus trees just across the road from our house. We went over there and picked up a bunch of fallen branches and cut a few down too. We took them all across the street, took all the leaves off and spread them all over the house. About 48 hours later, there wasn't a flea or tick to be found, not even on Disco (the cat) or Toke (The dog). As it turns out, most insects, including fleas and ticks, are not particularly fond of the scent. They simply left on their own. We were delighted that we didn't have to harm anything, including the pests we wanted to be rid of, while solving a real problem with no cost what so ever.

Years later I had the same problem with a roommates' Cat. My roommate insisted her name was "Sly" but I called her "The Evil One"! That's a story for another day, however. This time there were no Eucalyptus trees to be found and we didn't have the luxury of raiding a nearby grove. So I tried the next best thing. I learned that it was the scent that the nasty little buggers didn't like, so I went to "the Body Shoppe" at the Mall and got some Eucalyptus oil and put it in a spray bottle with a bunch of warm water and walked through the house spraying every carpet and rug I could find. Furniture too! Sure enough, about 48 hours later, we were free of fleas and ticks.

Love that Jethro Kloss! He also suggested making a shampoo for furry animals that includes good concentrations of Pennyroyal. It's as effective as any current meds available today but it's a lot more labor intensive. You have to shampoo your pets regularly, about every 5-7 days in some cases. The labor comes in when you have to negotiate with a cat to give them a shampoo ONCE let alone every 5 days. The Dogs had fun with the whole operation, though. When they got out of the tub naturally they would run through the house shaking the water off their coats (Pennyroyal and all) all over the house. Immunizing the rugs and furniture in the process. How thoughtful!

Lastly, and this one works for Ticks much better than fleas, you can pick up some "Brewer's Yeast" or "Nutritional Yeast" in the bulk section of most grocery stores these days and certainly at any natural food store. Just sprinkle a little bit on your dog or cat's food every so often. When a tick bites your loved one they don't like the taste and start looking for another host to hitch a ride on. Don't over do the yeast sprinkling even though you dogs and cats love the taste. It gave Disco and Toke the runs because I started out thinking I had to use a heavy concentration. Just a little will do the trick and you'll save yourself the nasty chore of cleaning up runny,,, um,,, well, you get my meaning!

As an aside: A little Brewer's Yeast and soy sauce on your popcorn and/or your baked potatoes is a real delight at my house and it DOESN'T give us the runs. Since you already have some in the house now anyway…..

So if you don't want to go to all the trouble of using these "Back to Nature" tricks, we have a variety of solutions for your pets that are also natural, but we do all the work FOR you. Stop by and see what we have for you and your funny furry freaky friends at http://www.gonatures.com

Much Love,
Gregory

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/ - Free Articles Directory

About the Author

Gregory Franklyn is a 50 something native of Detroit who currently calls the Pacific Northwest his home. He has studied and applied Natural and Alternative remedies for common ailments for over 15 years. He currently operates a website dedicated to information and products that naturally enhance the human body's ability to heal itself. Franklyn is NOT a medical health professional. Visit http://www.gonatures.com

My Pillow Pets Dog 18"

2011-04-15T15:30:00.000-04:00

A Super-Soft Chenille Plush Pillow. So cuddly you'll never want to put it down! Starts out as your pal, then un-velcro its belly, and it quickly becomes your pillow. Washable on Gentle Cycle. Not Recommended for the Dryer!

Price: $24.99

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Dog Academy Playset

2011-04-08T21:46:00.003-04:00

From German Shepherds and Collies, to Dalmatians and Corgis, our 15 champion dogs are ready to train and play. Kids have everything to put them through their pretend paces: a climbing ramp, 2 fences, a hoop, a tent, 2 Dog Houses and other care accessories like feeding bowls, toys and cushions. All in realistically, detailed plastic. Largest Dog House is 4-1/2W x 4"H. Pretend play toys - Ages 4 yrs. +."
Price: $24.99

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Clifford's Puppy Days: Practice Makes Perfect

2011-04-03T07:22:00.007-04:00

CLIFFORD'S PUPPY DAYS: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT - DVD Movie

Price: $9.98

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All About Helping Dog Separation Anxiety

2011-04-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

By Joe R. Maldonado

If you have a pet that goes bonkers when you leave the house, he may be suffering from dog separation anxiety. Dogs have feelings just like people do, and when you have one with separation anxiety, this becomes all too clear.

There are cases when a dog becomes so used to having their owner present that when the dog is alone it is desperately searching for its master and wondering why he or she is not there.

There are certain identifiable signs and symptoms of dog separation anxiety that you should learn about in order to help you begin to remedy this problem for your dog.

Separation anxiety occurs most often in dogs that have spent time in a shelter or a pound. These are places where your dog may have experienced high levels of stress. When a dog undergoes periods of high stress followed by the huge relief of adoption into a loving and safe environment, this leaves a lasting effect on their minds and personalities.

Since you are the person who has brought them such relief, your dog has become very attached to you. When you leave your home and your dog is once again alone, this triggers the feelings that he or she once felt back in that stressful environment. Fear and anxiety is instilled in your dog that you will never return, and they will be stuck once again in a horrible situation for good.

Your dog’s natural response to this fear is to demonstrate destructive behaviors. They will scratch, chew or bite things just to feel secure once again. This is why it becomes so important to identify this problem in your dog right away so that you can work toward a remedy for the situation.

You can begin to treat dog separation anxiety by giving him or her regular daily exercise. Sometimes dogs have extra pent up energy that needs to be expelled from time to time. Take them outside to play fetch with a stick or Frisbee. Even by just giving your dog some wide open space to run around in you can help him be better equipped to handle situations in which you are not there with him.

Of course you should always be sure that your dog’s needs are going to be completely taken care of in your absence. Make your dog’s food and water bowls easily accessible, and make sure that they are completely full right before you leave the house. Leave plenty of toys and entertainment behind to keep your dog occupied. Some dog owners even find that their dogs have responded to them leaving the radio on when they leave. The constant background noise is similar to what it is like when you are home, and it helps to soothe them by making them feel like all is normal at home.

As long as you work to effectively understand and help your pet through dog separation anxiety, you will be able to come through it together with a new appreciation and love for your dog.

About the Author: Next, find out more about dog with separation anxiety in the best specialized website available on such delicate topic.

Source: http://www.isnare.com/
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=756320&ca=Pets

Melissa & Doug Puppy Pursuit Games (Doggy Detectives Game)

2011-03-29T04:34:00.001-04:00

3055 This box contains ten active games to encourage the development of memory, patterning, sequencing, color recognition and matching skills. Puppy hunt, jumping puppies and paw pickers are just three of the engaging canine activities children will be begging to play. Features: -Educational toy. -Includes 6 stuffed puppies and 60 paw print cards. -Instructions include variations on many of the games to extend the fun. -Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Price: $29.99

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Dog Pillow Pets Puppy Dog 18" Plush Stuffed Animal

2011-03-12T13:59:00.005-05:00

Dog Pillow Pets, super soft and cuddly plush animal is a comfy companion as well as a pillow. Bring your child the joy, comfort and friendship of a soft and gentle Cuddle Pet. It is washable on gentle cycle.

Price: $49.99

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FurReal Newborn Border Collie Puppy

2011-02-27T23:35:00.002-05:00

FurReal Newborn Friends are adorable just-born baby animals who need your love and attention. They're very sleepy, so it's your job to gently wake them up. Give your Newborns lots of affection by petting the soft fur on their back. Listen to them make sweet baby sounds, and then gently lift up their heads to look at you. Each FurReal Newborn Friend comes with its very own special adoption certificate and bottle. Requires 3 "AAA" alkaline batteries (try-me batteries included). Measures approximately 7" long. Package design, bottle color and pet fur pattern may vary. Ages 4+

Price: $15.99

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How To Make $250 A Day Pet Sitting!

2011-02-22T20:47:00.000-05:00

Best Product Available For This New White Hot Business Opportunity. Free Gift Plus Huge Bonus Package including Business Forms, Contract, Pet First Aid, Legal Guide & More! Buyers Get Continuous Email Support, Free Newsletter. Low Start Up - Huge Profits!

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Doggie Day Care Petting Sitting E-Books

2011-02-14T03:03:00.000-05:00

E-books On How To Start Popular Pet Businesses.

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Cat Care Secrets - What Every Cat Owner Must Know

2011-02-05T12:39:00.000-05:00

Cat Owners Love This Book. All Secrets on Cat Care And Cat Training. Goldmine For Affiliates Way Less Competition Than Comparable Dog E-Books.

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Pet Lizard Care Guide

2011-01-27T09:51:00.000-05:00

The Pet Lizard Care Guide is a complete beginners guide to owning and caring for a pet lizard.

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Chi-Chi Chihuahua

2011-01-27T07:43:00.001-05:00

Cute little chihuahua (chi chi) walks ahead, nods tail, wags playfully and pounces.
Price: $9.99

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Pet Nutrition Info and Poetry Center

2011-01-18T19:27:00.000-05:00

Pet nutrition, comparative pet food information and poetry.

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PeeAway! Pet Urine Neutralizer, Cat & Dog Urination Deterrent

2011-01-09T16:39:00.001-05:00

Introducing PeeAway! The first of its kind formula recipe used to prevent pets from urinating where they are not welcome and to help eliminate smelly pet urine odors. Its new, its easy to use and is loved by pet owners worldwide. Get PeeAway!

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Leather Dog Collars-A Classic!

2010-07-09T21:43:00.000-04:00

By Max Allen

Leather dog collars have been around for many, many years. When I was a small lad of about eight, my dad got my dog "Corkie", a toy collie mix, a leather dog collar. Even back then dogs had to wear a collar with a license attached.
Nowadays dogs need a tag with ID attached so you can be notified if your beloved pet ever gets lost.
I like leather collars because they are tough and durable. They can last a long time.
Back when Corkie got his collar the only color you could get was black. A plain black collar at that. No other color and no decorations were available.
Times have changed and now you can get all types and colors of leather colors. You can still get plain leather collars if that is what you really want, but why not live a little and show off your dog with a colorful, fashionable leather dog collar.
Standard leather collars now come in a variety of styles and more than one color.
Both the standard leather and the fashionable leather collar can come adorned with spikes, studs, rhinestones, or flowers. Plus you can also get bones, stars, and hearts or paw emblems sewn into the collar.
Leather dog collars come in all sizes that will fit the small Chihuahua breed all the way up to the English Mastiff.
You can get your collar in many different widths to match the size of your dog. A 3/8" wide collar wouldn't even begin to fit the neck of the Mastiff, and the 2" wide one would probably be bigger than the whole Chihuahua.
The only drawback to the leather collar is if your dog loves to swim. A lot of water on a leather collar will sometimes make the collar brittle and weaken it and it might even shrink a little. Keep the collar dry and it should last for many, many years.
If your dog is a 'water dog' then a good nylon or waterproof collar is what you need to get them when you take them to the beach or lake. Put on the tough leather collar when your dog is strutting around the neighborhood.
This season think leather because a leather dog collar is classic! It has been around for decades and will still be around years from now.
Come on over to our website at http://www.mytopdogjewelry.com/ where you will find all kinds of leather dog collars, pet jewelry and dog products. Get the right leather dog collar for your dog at My Top Dog Jewelry and discover how you can earn a free gift.

About The Author:
Max has two dogs, a Chocolate Lab and a German Shepard puppy along with 2 cats. Our lab, Belle, just loves it when we put some Bling on her. The puppy, not so much yet, but he is growing every day. Jury still out on the cats. We love our pets and our customers.

How To Stop a Chihuahua From Whining

2010-07-09T21:17:00.001-04:00

By Lea Mullins

A whining Chihuahua is quite common; it is a way for them to communicate with their owners and families. This is the same when they communicate with their mother, is they cold or need some attention, hungry or fear they might be left behind. Generally the mother gives her pup what they need. So it's expected that your pup will communicate to you in the same way.
There is a way you can break your Chihuahua's habit of whining. The best way to tackle this problem is by taking away their reason for whining and by refusing what they require when they whine.
If their needs are adequately met then their need to whine is eliminated. This can be done by feeding your pet at regular intervals that meet their nutritional requirements and fresh water every day. Remember not to feed whenever they whine as it only reinforces their reward for action. Instead feed them when they don't whine and about the same time everyday .You will then be rewarding them for their good behavior.
These breeds love spending time and playing with their owner throughout the day. This prevents the reason for attention whining. If they start to whine ignore it and refuse to play till the whining ceases. This will also teach positive reinforcement when they behave well. Another thing you may need to consider for the times when you cannot play with them is investing in a few toys to keep them from becoming bored and whining for attention.
Dog training for your Chihuahua will also help them accept when you need to leave them alone but without them feeling abandoned. You can also do this at home by providing a room full of toys to play with. Spend some time in the room then leave for a few minutes giving them some free play time. Return after a little and sit quietly in the room and eventually work on increasing the time you are out of the room for until they begin to understand that you'll always return to them and will accept the times when you're away.
By providing your Chihuahua with all their needs is fairly simple process and will eliminate their need to whine. They soon learn that their whining gets them no where but when quiet they accumulate all the rewards.

About The Author:
Lea Mullins narrates how to stop a Chihuahua from whining. TrainPetDog.com provides several tips on stopping bad behavior in your dog and imparitng positive dog training.

When A Dog Bites Get A Personal Injury Lawyer

2010-06-20T12:03:00.000-04:00

by Nick Messe

Every year, millions of people throughout the country suffer from dog bites. In our society, many people have come to think about their pets as people with fur or hair, forgetting that they are still animals and do not have the capacity to reason and think like humans. For this reason, the law holds the pet owner responsible for the actions of their pets.

Injuries can range in severity from a mild bite that doesn't even break the skin, to a vicious mauling that can cause severe injuries and even death in the most extreme cases. Some dogs, such as pit bulls, have even been banned in some areas due to their violent tendencies and propensity to cause serious damage when attacking individuals.

Many of these deaths are handled in criminal court where precedents have been set for sentencing owners to many years in prison. In addition, a victim can file a civil lawsuit seeking to recover costs from medical bills and punitive damage. In order to get the compensation that they deserve because of a dog attack, victims need to consult with a personal injury lawyer or a wrongful death attorney.

Hiring a personal injury attorney or a wrongful death lawyer can allow victims to understand whether or not their case has merits and can be successfully argued in court. In many areas, there are clear laws and regulations that govern whether or not a victim of a dog attack can win damages from litigation. In order to prove culpability, a judge or jury must consider a number of factors. The first issue that will have to be determined is whether or not the dog in question actually caused the injury.

Next, the owner of the dog must be identified. Only then can a lawsuit be filed against that pet owner. Another consideration that a judge or jury has to make is whether or not the attack was the result of provocation from the victim.

If the attack was a result of the victim having provoked the dog, the case may not have merits and may not result in an award of damages. If, on the other hand, a person was walking by and minding his own business when attacked, a personal injury award may be granted. Finally, it must be determined whether or not a person had the legal right to be in the same area as the dog when the injury occurred.

Pet owners have a responsibility to keep the public safe from their pets. Owners of any dog, particularly dangerous dogs like pit bulls, should secure their yards with fences and make sure that their pet habitats are enclosed. Signs should also be posted to warn the public about potentially dangerous dogs.

Many jurisdictions also have leash laws that require any dog in a public area be fitted with a collar and leash. Not only does this protect the public, but it is also important to ensure the safety of the pet.

Dog bites happen all the time and often result in severe and painful injuries or even death. The law holds dog owners responsible for the behavior of their pets and provides methods of receiving compensation for injuries that result from attacks. Consulting a personal injury lawyer or wrongful death attorney is the only way for victims to make sure that they receive fair compensation for their injuries.

About The Author:
At the Shea Law Group we are experienced and highly effective Chicago personal injury lawyers. We understand the financial, emotional and physical toll that an accident takes on you and your loved ones. For free initial consultation visit SheaLawGroup.com or call us at -1-877-365-0040.

How to choose the right Cat Food!

2010-05-02T11:48:00.000-04:00

By Greg Podsakoff
As all cat owners know, a feline can be a wonderful addition to any family. One of the most basic aspects of cat ownership is proper health care for the cat. Health care for a cat encompasses a wide array of vaccine shots, flea protection, vet visits, medications, and even proper exercise.

As all cat owners know, a feline can be a wonderful addition to any family. One of the most basic aspects of cat ownership is proper health care for the cat. Health care for a cat encompasses a wide array of vaccine shots, flea protection, vet visits, medications, and even proper exercise.

However, the most important aspect of cat health is also often overlooked. People spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a cat to keep it healthy, but most cat owners don't pay nearly enough attention to the proper cat food.

The right cat food is absolutely essential to a healthy, happy cat.

But what is the best cat food for your cat? While each cat will have slightly different nutritional needs, there are some general rules that must be considered when looking for cat food.

First of all, cats (like their human owners) need a high quality diet. This means the best types of protein, fats, carbs, and the less preservatives and chemical additives, the better. Most of the research available online does not compare specific brands of cat food, as much as specific ingredients to feed your cat, and which to stay away from!

Cats need a high protein diet. Wild cats are very carnivorous, and cats derive a great deal of their nutritional needs from protein. House cats, while not wild, still have many of the same nutritional needs as their wild feline ancestors. So, the most important ingredient in any cat food is protein.

Carbohydrates are also an important part of a cats diet, though not as important as protein. Cats really should derive the majority of their nutritional needs from protein, so cat foods that are high in carbohydrates may not necessarily be the best for them.

Interestingly enough, many of the premium brands of cat food, such as Eukanuba and Innova offer exactly what most cats need, and aren't necessarily more expensive in the long run. This is because high end cat foods need a smaller serving amount than the low end cat foods to give a cat all the nutrients they need to be satisfied and healthy.

When comparing a premium brand such as Eukanuba, to a lower cost brand such as Purina, they cost difference for the recommended serving size is only a nickel a day. Furthermore, because a cat will eat less of the high end cat food, their waste will be reduced. This can cut down on the frequency of litter replacement and litter box related chores.

Another aspect of cat food to be considered is the quality of the protein in the food. Because of the way many pet food companies describe the meat in the food, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what the difference between "chicken flavored", and "chicken dinner" is.

Food that contains "chicken meal" can only be made from the skin, flesh, and bones only. This is really the best type of protein for a cat. Food that has "meat byproducts" can contain nearly any animal parts, and are of lower quality than "chicken meal". Food that is "chicken flavored" only has to taste like chicken, but may not contain any animal meat at all. Also, chicken is generally better than beef for cats.

And it goes without saying, preservatives, as well as artificial colors, should be avoided whenever possible. Although specific research is lacking on this subject, we do know that preservatives and artificial colors can have a negative impact on human health. It is only logical that cats will also be negatively affected by artificial colors and preservatives in their cat food.

With the vast selection of cat food on the market, it is easy to be intimidated and just pull the cheapest variety off of the shelf. Just remember what's good for your cat and read the labels. Always remember, a little research can go a long way when it come to the health and well being of your cat.

About the Author
Greg Podsakoff is one of the owners of Hercules the cat and an editor at http://www.cat-care-cat-information.com.

The 9 Secrets To Great Puppy Socialization

2010-05-02T11:32:00.000-04:00

By Sam Carter

Teaching a puppy or a dog proper socialization skills is vital to the safety of both your dog and other dogs and people with whom he comes into contact. A properly socialized dog is a happy dog, and a joy to be around for both humans and animals. A poorly socialized dog, or one with no socialization at all, is a danger to other animals, other people and even his own family. Socialization is best done when the puppy is as young as possible The socialization lessons a young puppy learns are difficult to undo, and it is important to remember that the socialization skills the puppy learns will affect his behavior for the rest of his life.

A dog that is properly socialized will be neither frightened of nor aggressive towards either animals or humans. A properly socialized dog will take each new experience and stimulus in stride, and not become fearful or aggressive. Dogs that are not properly socialized often bite because of fear, and such a dog can become a hazard and a liability to the family who owns it. Improperly socialized dogs are also unable to adapt to new situations. A routine matter like a trip to the vets or to a friends house can quickly stress the dog out and lead to all sorts of problems.

Socialization is best done when the puppy is very young, perhaps around 12 weeks of age. Even after 12 weeks, however, it is important that the puppy continues its socialization in order to refine the all important social skills. It is possible to socialize an older puppy, but it is very difficult to achieve after the all important 12 week period has passed.

The following text describes how to properly socialize your puppy.

*Make each of the socialization events as pleasant and non-threatening for the puppy as possible. If a puppy's first experience with any new experience is an unpleasant one, it will be very difficult to undo that in the puppy's mind. In some cases, an early trauma can morph into a phobia that can last for a lifetime. It is better to take things slow and avoid having the puppy become frightened or injured.

*Try inviting your friends over to meet the new puppy. It is important to included as many different people as possible in the puppy's circle of acquaintances, including men, women, children, adults, as well as people of many diverse ethnic backgrounds and ages.

*Also invite friendly and healthy dogs and puppies over to meet your puppy. It is important for the puppy to meet a wide variety of other animals, including cats, hamsters, rabbits and other animals he is likely to meet. It is of course important to make sure that all animals the puppy comes into contact with have received all necessary vaccinations.

*Take the puppy to many different places, including shopping centers, pet stores, parks, school playgrounds and on walks around the neighborhood. Try to expose the puppy to places where they will be crowds of people and lots of diverse activity going on.

*Take the puppy for frequent short rides in the car. During these rides, be sure to stop the car once in a while and let the puppy look out the window at the world outside. *Introduce your puppy to a variety of items that may be unfamiliar. The puppy should be exposed to common items like bags, boxes, vacuum cleaners, umbrellas, hats, etc. that may be frightening to him. Allow and encourage the puppy to explore these items and see that he has nothing to fear from them.

* Get the puppy used to a variety of objects by rearranging familiar ones. Simply placing a chair upside down, or placing a table on its side, creates an object that your puppy will perceive as totally new.

* Get the puppy used to common procedures like being brushed, bathed, having the nails clipped, teeth cleaned, ears cleaned, etc. Your groomer and your veterinarian with thank you for this.

* Introduce the puppy to common things around the house, such as stairs. Also introduce the puppy to the collar and leash, so he will be comfortable with these items.

For information on training visit Dog Training

About the Author

Sam Carter has produced a Dog Obedience e-book that will help solve the most common dog behavior problems quickly & easily, thanks to this powerful insider information thousands of dog owners worldwide have been successful with their dog training, and solved their dog's behavior problems.

To download it instantly visithttp://www.dogobedienceexpert.com

Caring For Pet Ferrets

2010-02-26T10:42:00.004-05:00

Posted By: Bette J

Ferrets may not be a common animal choice for pets, but these critters have been domesticated by humans since way back in 4 BC. Many people find ferrets nice to have and as easy to keep, if not easier, as other typical pets like dogs and cats. Here are some basic tips about caring for ferrets.Keeping Ferrets Active

Keeping Ferrets Active
Ferrets are very energetic animals. It is recommended to keep them entertained with toys that aren’t easy to break to maintain the animals safety. Ferrets can be nice pets when one knows the right ways of caring for them. Having them can be a fun and exciting experience.

Making a Home for the Ferret
Ferrets prefer living in spaces that resemble dens in the wild. A wired cage that is about 30 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches long may suffice. Many ferrets like living in cages that have things to climb such as ramps and stairs. The cage should allow good ventilation, thus it is not wise to use aquariums. The floor may be covered by linoleum tiles and carpets or other soft washable materials to make the flooring more comfortable for ferrets to walk on than wire floors. The cage should be kept within 55 to 70 degrees. It should also be cleaned regularly with hot soapy water.

Feeding Ferrets
Ferrets are carnivores that require at least 22% fat and 34% protein from animal sources. It isn’t recommended to feed them dog or cat food. Chicken and turkey are ideal. Ferrets should never be fed vegetables because they are difficult to digest. Fruits are also not an option because sugars may increase tendencies for insulinoma. Egg whites should also be avoided because they can cause hemolytic anemia.

Potty Training
A small 3 to 5 inches-high cardboard box may be used as a litter box for ferrets. Litter pans should be secured to a side of the cage, far from the ferrets eating and sleeping areas. Litter products made of plant or paper fibers are recommended to prevent clumping of fecal matter.

Keeping Ferrets Clean
Ferrets tend to produce undesirable odors. To prevent them from smelling to strongly, they can be bathed using a special ferret shampoo, kitten shampoo, or diluted baby shampoo. It isn’t advisable to bathe ferrets daily, because it will dry their skin, causing overcompensation of oil secretion, making the ferret smell more. It is also important to check the ferrets ears for mites regularly. Ears should be cleaned using cotton soaked in a special cleanser that can be bought from a pet store.

If you would like to find more articles about Ferrets, Please click here: ezcooldata.com/ferrets/. Proper caring for these little critters is very important to keep them healthy. Like any pet, be sure you check into what is involved to take care of this animal before you take it home. The pet will need your time and it will depend on you for it's food and care. Have a Happy Time with your new pet.

Source: http://bettes88.blogspot.com/2010/02/caring-for-pet-ferrets.html

The Fundamentals Of Exotic Pet Law

2010-01-24T19:26:00.004-05:00

Posted By Bette J

No one wants to break any law. A law abiding citizen would first check the legality of the circumstances before getting an exotic pet. This actually takes some effort in finding out. One: it depends on the state where the owner lives. And two: it depends on the exotic animal that he is taking care of.

If you think just going online and checking it on the internet is the answer, you're mistaken. Sometimes, the information gathered on the web are already late and lacking in information. Sometimes, the local laws don’t apply on each state. It's just not consistent therefore, it's not dependable.

For an owner of an exotic pet, it is advised that he checks with the local government first. This could be the city, the town or the county. Ask a local humane society or the closest animal shelter.

So that you could provide the right habitat and right diet for your exotic pet, it's suggested that you consult your veterinarian. Sometimes health departments added regulations to the city laws that have already been imposed. Sometimes, the exotic pet is legal in your county, but then you have to double check if its legal in your state.

It may be a hassle to do this at first but then it's a necessity. If it so happens that your exotic pet isn’t legal where you reside, it might be taken away from you. Another issue that must be given attention to is that an exotic pet may be an endangered creature and bringing it to the mainland may not help in protecting their species, if it would only mean the animal would die later on.

Checking the legality of an exotic pet is also for the owners to not have conflict of interests with his neighbors. People may file a complaint against their possession of the exotic creature, so not only will this lead to the confiscation of the animal, it could also result in euthanasia.

If the creature is legally obtained, it would only result to the extinction of the animal. What's considered exotic is most of the time endangered. Check out the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora for more information.

To also protect your neighborhood, the states are concerned with regards to the animals that are brought in. Exotic creatures such as crocodiles and large cats are considered to be potentially harmful when not handled with care.

Generally, these exotic animals need special care (nutrition and living space.) These aren’t easily acquired by the owner and the consultation with a veterinarian is required.

Moving on from science regulations, the laws that concerned exotic creatures may come off as political as well. The law encompasses that the acquisition of exotic creatures require the owner to provide the proper care and diet to these creatures in order for them to no longer be endangered. If these are not met, then the animals may be confiscated and result in the heartbreak of the owner.

Source: http://bettes88.blogspot.com/2010/01/fundamentals-of-exotic-pet-law.html

Leash Train Your Cat - 7 Easy Steps

2010-01-01T23:52:00.000-05:00

By Bonnie Dye

Most people think cats can't be trained to do tricks or walk on a leash, and that's simply not true. Look at any circus and you'll see the big cats literally jumping through hoops for their owners.

You'll want to start with the right equipment. It’s best to use a harness rather than just a collar, for two reasons. First, a cat can quickly and easily wiggle out of a collar – their heads are not much bigger than their necks. Second, a harness will protect your cat from injury, since part of the harness goes around the cat’s body, rather than just its neck. Choose a leash and harness made from lightweight nylon. Cats are easily weighed down even by the weight of the leash clip if it’s too heavy.

Here are 7 easy steps to leash training your cat:

NOTE: To easily restrain your cat, position the cat so it's standing, facing away from you, then put your arm around the front of its shoulders below the neck. Hold it gently backed up against you. No need for a lot of force. The cat may wiggle, but it'll mostly be convinced it can't get away, so it won't try.

1)Introduce the harness

While your cat is relaxed, slip the first loop of the harness over the cat's head and around its neck. The cat will wiggle a lot!

2)Re-introduce the harness (I know!)

If the cat gets away from you, stay relaxed and it will quickly calm down. After a minute or so, go pick up the harness and start again. Be prepared to restrain your cat this time, so it doesn't create a habit of running away.

3)Fasten the harness

Act quickly here. Fasten the harness then immediately let the cat go! It will run, squirm, and wiggle for 2 or 3 minutes before it lies down and tries to lick the harness off.

4)Attach the leash

When your pet stops, walk over, stroke and talk to it, then click the leash onto the harness, letting the leash hang loosely over the cat's back.

5)Bring out a toy

The average cat will immediately lay flat on the floor on its stomach with all four legs sprawled out. Have a toy ready – choose something on a string the cat likes to chase.

6)Play with leash attached

Your cat will play, quickly forgetting the weight on its back. After 2-3 minutes, let the cat rest with the leash still attached.

7)Remove the harness

Your cat now understands it can move around even while wearing a harness and leash. Unhook the leash, and after about 15 minutes, remove the harness.

Next day, put the harness on, let the cat go about its business, and after 15-20 minutes, remove the harness.

Third day, attach the harness and leash and keep hold of it with no pressure on the cat. Let your cat lead you around while it gets used to the slight weight it's feeling, then exert pressure on the leash to let the cat know you're taking the lead. If the cat resists, don't drag it. Encourage it toward you with a treat or a toy.

Most adult cats are prepared to go outside by the fourth day, and I once had a ten week old kitten who was ready on the first day after only about 45 minutes!

That’s really all there is to it! In a very short time you’ll be able to walk through the park with your cat prancing proudly beside you. They love showing off their personal grandeur, and will quickly learn to walk with head and tail held high.

About the Author: Bonnie Dye has raised, trained and cared for dogs and cats for over 30 years. She is the co-author of "What Your Pets Want You to Know". To get your free report, "Secrets to Happy and Obedient Pets" go to Free Pet Care Tips http://www.isnare.com/

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