Month: June 2022

Arguably, dogs can be as great a loyal companion as any person can. This is why a dog owner needs to learn whatever they can about how to care for their pet so that it lives a long and healthy life. This article is a wonderful start.

Your dog needs a stimulating environment if it is going to live a long and healthy life. Providing him or her with one is not really that hard. Simply make sure you take your dog for walks each day, and purchase a few toys that you and your pet can play with together.

Never bring your dog with you while flying during the hot summer months, unless the airline provides a climate-controlled cabin for him. Most of the major carriers use the same area for pets as they do for cargo, meaning your dog will have to endure some pretty high temperatures as you travel to your destination, jeopardizing his safety.

Try to always be aware of how your dog is feeling. If your dog seems to be nervous, fearful, or scared of certain things, you should take note of this and try to avoid putting your dog in a stressful situation. When a dog is stressed or afraid, you could traumatize your dog if you insist that it stays in the stressful situation.

Be careful if you’re searching for a new dog on Craigslist or other classified ads. Many people exaggerate the truth in order to unload problems or challenging training issues and you could end up with an impossible situation on your hands. Only talk to people who are verifiable through vet records and demonstrate positive handling experience.

Make sure your dog gets enough exercise. This is vital to the care of a happy dog. Many people don’t bother to exercise their dog, thinking that walks are enough. Dogs are active creatures and need to play. Talk to your veterinarian about how much activity your dog needs, and make sure he gets it.

In order to make sure that your dog is healthy, be sure to allow it to have access to clean water at all times during the day. Just like with all living beings, water is one of the most important components. The only exception would be that you would want to keep water from a puppy for three hours before bedtime.

If you are a very enthusiastic owner of a pure-bred dog, join your local AKC. They are an active social group where you can share your love for your dog, learn a lot and make new friends too. The experience can also help prepare you and your dog for entering contests and winning shows!

Be a responsible dog owner, to represent the species well. For example, Pit Bulls are feared and often even hated in most places these days, due to irresponsible ownership. People tend to blame the animals when in fact it’s the human factor influencing the dog’s behavior. Train your dog well and leave a good impression on others!

If you leave your dog with a boarder, there are certain things you need to tell them. First, make sure the boarder has a number to reach you in case of an emergency. Also, tell them of any behavioral issues you dog has. If the dog needs special foods or medication, let the boarder know this as well.

Owning a new puppy is very similar to having a new baby. Puppies need a lot of attention and have to be taken care of constantly. They are not ready to be left alone for long periods of time and need to have a fair amount of attention devoted to them.

Make sure that you’re feeding your dog a good quality food. Most dog foods available at your grocery store are mainly made up of grains or corn. Instead of this, you should try to find a dog food that is mostly made of meat. Foods that are high quality can provide you with many benefits, such as having a healthy pup, less vet visits, and your dog’s coat will shine more.

Owning a dog has a lot of benefits, and it can be the basis of a great friendship. The best thing you can do for your dog is to learn as much as you can about him. The tips you just read can be of great benefit to you over the life of your dog.…

12 Must Know Facts Before Buying a Ferret

The very nature of ferrets indicates their playful and curious side. Surely, they make great pets but owning one does not end in buying them. Buying a ferret also includes considering certain factors and below is a rundown of 12 must know facts.

1. Are you responsible enough? Do you have the time? These questions must be answered thoroughly before buying a ferret. Remember that these pets require special attention from their owners. If you cannot provide for their basic needs or show them your best qualities as a ferret owner, maybe it is best to sit this one out and consider another type of pet.

2. Legality is another important factor to consider. For all you realize, buying a ferret is considered illegal in your place. The best way to check this is through your local wildlife or Fish and Game Department. In this way, you are certain if you can actually own a ferret for domestic purposes.

3. Finances. Be reminded that buying a ferret and owning one can be very pricey. You have to be able to calculate every possible provision such as medication, vaccination, food, supplies and accessories.

4. Environment. Make sure that your surroundings are suitable for ferrets. This is particularly important if you happen to own other pets. Remember that ferrets do not think highly of fishes and birds. It is also likely that they will hunt or consider these other pets as possible preys.

5. Behavior is crucial if you want to own a ferret. If you are concerned with having an aggressive ferret, it is best to understand that these animals are trainable and can be taught manners. In fact, you can teach ferrets not to bite, litter or poop in the carpet.

6. There is an ideal age if you are into buying a ferret. The best solution is to get a kit aged 8 to 16 weeks old. Sometimes, others prefer older ferrets. However, if you want to create that special bond between you and your pet, then getting a younger ferret is most applicable.

7. Gender is also important. Decide whether you want a male or female ferret. A choice has its own pros and cons. Just make sure to do your research.

8. Studying the breed of any pet is also advisable. Deciding on the type of color even age and sex is deemed appropriate in buying a ferret. One obvious reason for this is its relative effects on health and overall condition.

9. Scent. Ferrets have a natural smell that comes across as stinky or offensive. This fact is part of the pet’s physiology and the only way to remedy any odor problems is by implementing sanitation and proper hygiene.

10. Litter training is also a matter of importance before buying a ferret. Be prepared to teach your pets discipline. Learn the very essentials of litter literacy. In this way, you can readily instill manners and good behavior in your pet.

11. Provisions like food and medicines are a must in ferret owning. Know the right types of foods to give to your pet. Do not miss veterinary appointments. Keep up with required medications and vaccines if needed.

12. Lastly, learn a thing or two about ferret proofing your home or place. Keep in mind that ferrets are active pets. They can get inside cabinets and sofa beds. Think of plants, drawers and holes as possible sources of dangers and ferret-related accidents.…

Understanding Your Cat’s Needs

It is a common misconception that cats are a “feed them and forget about them” pet. While cats aren’t necessarily difficult creatures to look after, you might be better suited to take a fish as a pet if you want a little to no attention pet. We’re going to talk about the basic physical and psychological needs of a cat to help you better understand the responsibilities that caring for a cat entails.

The dietary needs of a cat are fairly simple to satisfy. The three basic types of cat food available are dry (kibble), moist (usually bought in pouches), and wet (canned). If you are considering a kitten, it’s best to carry on feeding him the same brand and type of food that his breeder is feeding him. It’s up to you what kind of food you want your cat to eat. Many people encourage feeding a cat dry food as it helps to keep your cat’s teeth clean and strong. Cats that have a solitary diet of soft foods usually end up having far more dental issues than cats on a kibble diet. Always make sure that you have clean water available to your cat at all times of the day and do not feed your cat cow’s milk, as it has very little nutritional value for your cat and often results in digestive problems and diarrhea.

Setting up and maintaining a litter box is pretty basic. We recommend purchasing litter box liners (similar to trash bag material) to make changing out the litter an easier and more sanitary process. Using a litter scoop, you should remove clumps of poo regularly from the litter, completely changing out the litter about once a week. If you have more than one cat, you will likely need to change the litter more often to keep the smell down.

The grooming responsibilities for your cat will depend a great deal on the breed that you have. Cats with longer or thicker fur will require you to brush them once, sometimes twice a day. As a general rule, cats do not require baths. Cats spend a huge portion of their day cleaning themselves and they’re very good at it! If your cat has a mishap that leaves them too dirty to clean themselves, a quick bath with soap designed for cats is okay. You may find that if your cat is a very long-haired breed, his fur might become excessively oily. This is another case in which you may need to bathe your cat.

The emotional needs of a cat are harder to predict. Cats are affectionate creatures, but the affection is usually given and received on their terms. You may find your cat is a fairly solitary creature and only comes around for a snuggle once in a while. This is quite normal behaviour for a cat, so don’t feel bad if your cat doesn’t spend a great deal of time around you. That being said, all cats have different personalities, just like us. Some cats enjoy being around people and others don’t-it’s simply a case of figuring out what your cat likes. It’s best to let your cat approach you for attention rather than seeking him out.

Exercise is also important for your cat, but they can get plenty of that indoors. Try investing in a kitty gym, scratching post, or pet steps to encourage your cat to be active.

For more information about raising cats and dogs, visit the Help Your Pets website.…

Male Cat Behavior

The male cat as I have often observed is much more difficult to handle than its more docile female counterpart. They tend to be more aggressive and are prone to fighting with other cats. Sometimes males even kill kittens to satisfy their hunting urges. Aside from the previously mentioned, they are also prone to the habit of roaming around in long distances from its owners’ house.

Just like other territorial animals, cats mark their territories with urine, leaving behind a scent to warn other male cats not to intrude. In conjunction to this, male cats are often engaged in territorial battles with other cats that often lead to death. Cats that often fight are also more prone to contract viral diseases that may lead to death.

Cats no matter how domesticated, still have within them the urge to hunt and kill prey as it is their instinct to do so for thousands of years. Often times, cats, especially the male, go out to roam in search of small animals for them to kill and eat. Just like fighting cats, cats that hunt are also prone to diseases. At times however, when access to other animals they usually kill is out of the question, they kill the kittens of other cats. They rarely kill their own offspring.

When male cats feel the urge to mate, they most likely will roam away from the owners’ house. Usually, they are gone three to five days at a time in search of a mate. Most of them are hard to handle. They are aggressive and is a hassle to control. The only solution to eliminate these testosterone fueled activities is to castrate the male cat early on.…

Do you have a dog? Does someone you know have a dog? Are you just interested in learning more about dogs because you want to get one? Whatever the case may be, there are some things you must know about dogs. Take the below advice into consideration if you have any kind of interest in dogs.

Brushing your dog’s teeth is important, but it is not easy. If your dog is resisting, once a day simply lift their lips and use your finger to rub their teeth lightly. Do it quickly at first, and then begin to draw out the time you spend performing this action. This will help them get use to the process. After that, you can begin using an actual brush and toothpaste.

If your dog behaves badly, correct the behavior immediately. The longer you ignore it, the more difficult it will be to correct it later, and the consequences could be dire. This could lead to huge problems down the road.

Avoid issues of jealously if you have more than one animal. Particularly if you bring a young dog into the home of an older dog, problems can arise. Be considerate of the patience and energy levels of your senior dog and make sure his feelings aren’t hurt by giving the new guy all the attention.

Just like humans, dogs need to get a good amount of exercise each and every day. If your dog does not get the exercise it needs, it health will decline, and so will his attitude towards life. Take the time to exercise your dog for at least a half hour each day for the best results.

Don’t forget to trim your dog’s nails regularly. Long nails can make him uncomfortable, cause injury to his feet and will ruin your floors. If he makes a “click” sound when he walks on hard wood or linoleum, that’s a good indication it’s time for a trim. Ask your vet to do it if necessary.

It is very common for objects to get lodged in the pads of your dogs paws. Check them regularly to make sure that nothing is in there. If you see something, be very careful about taking it out, or it may become lodged even deeper. It is a wise to use tweezers for this.

Be a responsible dog owner, to represent the species well. For example, Pit Bulls are feared and often even hated in most places these days, due to irresponsible ownership. People tend to blame the animals when in fact it’s the human factor influencing the dog’s behavior. Train your dog well and leave a good impression on others!

Always use a leash when your dog or puppy is out in public. This helps you make sure your dog always stays by you and prevents them from wandering off or getting into trouble. This can also help you restrain your dog if something upsets them so that they don’t hurt another animal or person.

Make sure to keep all of your dog’s annual check-up appointments. Your vet may see problems, such as thyroid problems, kidney problems, and diabetes, before you’ll notice any signs. In the long run, annual check-ups save the owner a lot of money and prevent the dog from a lot of unneeded suffering.

Be clear with your pet during training. The word “no” does not explain anything to your dog, other than that you are unhappy with something. Instead, explain which behavior you do want to see. For example, if your dog jumps on the furniture, tell him to get down instead of just saying the word no.

If you have tried everything to get your dog to stop digging your garden to no avail, head to your kitchen. Mix up a batch of cayenne pepper (five tablespoons), hot sauce (also five tablespoons) and a quart of water in a spray bottle and spray it where he digs. It should discourage him quickly.

Now you can probably see that taking care of a dog isn’t going to be too hard. You will probably become impatient at times, but just remember what you have read here and you should be fine. Dogs are very great pets as long as you treat them well, so use this article to help you to do that.…

Chocolate and Cat’s Health

Can cats eat chocolate? When cats each chocolate the sweet treat is not the same as it is when we eat chocolate. It can be a toxic snack for your cat. Chocolate poisoning, must be treated immediately by calling emergency. Treatment includes inducing vomiting, using charcoal for toxin absorption and use of anti-seizure medication.

Chocolate poisoning can be extremely serious for cats. In most cases the cat will become very ill and in some cases, the cat may die. Chocolate contains a component called theobromine, which affects a cat’s central nervous system. This component is similar to caffeine and although humans don’t notice it, it can be fatal to your cat.

Different types of chocolates contain different amounts of theobromine. For example, milk chocolate contains 45 mg of theobromine per ounce, semi sweet chocolate contains 150 to 250 mg per ounce, and cocoa beans contain 450 to 1000 mg per ounce.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in your cat can appear after a few moments or up to a full day later. They include diarrhea and vomiting, which are signals of a digestive issue. These symptoms may go away in a few hours if your cat has ingested a small amount of chocolate, but when the amount is elevated, severe and toxic symptoms will be evident.

With increased levels of theobromine the cat will be irritable, and his heart rate will be significantly increased, tremors and seizures will appear, however you should not wait for these symptoms to develop. Your immediate action is essential to treat this problem. If the toxic levels get too high, your cat will die.

Swift action is a must to avoid your cats health threat. Inducing vomiting, must be done quickly, preferably within the first two hours following ingestion. Past that time, this simple treatments will have no effect.

Once the toxicity becomes severe your cat will need to be hospitalized and observed by a qualified veterinarian. They will give your cat, supportive treatments depending on the severity of intoxication and will have to wait until the theobromine has been eliminated from the cats system.

As a cat owner, you should take all steps to protect your cat from ingesting any chocolate. This includes storing your chocolate in an area not accessible to your cat. Also, be aware of what you cat eats, and the symptoms of chocolate toxicity.

Your cats health is important and needs to be maintained in order to provide your cat with a long life.…

Caring For a Young Cat Or Kitten

You have selected a new kitten from a litter and are now ready to bring him home. You certainly want to give your baby cat a great start in life and want him to grow up healthy and happy. There are a few things you can do to be sure your cat settles in quickly and adjusts to his new life.

Be sure ahead of time that you are ready. Have a litter box all set up, kitten food at home and a few cat toys to keep the little guy occupied.

It is very important to handle a young cat a lot so that he gets used to being picked up and handled. This way your cat will grow to be affectionate and loving. If you have children at home encourage the kids to be gentle when picking up the kitten.

You should also start to brush a new kitten right away. Slowly introduce him to the brush and spend a few minutes every day brushing his fur gently. This not only reduces shedding but will ensure that he will allow you to brush him as an adult.

Kittens are very curious and he will try to get into everything and everywhere when he is a kitten. Set limits early by saying “No” and removing him from the locations that you do not want him to be in. Cats learn quickly when they are young so it is important to follow through with your expectations.

Do all you can do to keep your kitten safe. Do not let the dog torment him or kids tease him. The more unpleasant experiences he has as a kitten, the more likely that he becomes nervous and mistrusting as an adult.…

Ferret Hair Loss – What’s Wrong? Is He Dying?

Ferrets, just like other animals, shed in the spring and summer. Then in winter, his coat becomes thick and fluffy again. It is a natural process that furry or hairy animals undergo in a certain cycle.  However, if your ferret sheds his coat outside this pattern or if you have observed excessive shedding, then as the owner, be suspicious and know the reasons behind this condition.

Rat Tailed Ferrets (Tail Alopecia)

When your ferret loses hair on just the tail, do not worry. This is harmless. Usually, if a ferret experiences a change in the environment or there’s a new animal in the household, this may cause a lot of stress to your pet – which will be the reason behind his tail going bald. Sometimes, it may take a few months before this grows back.   The bald tail can also show tiny black spots. This is common in males.

Hormonal Imbalances (Endocrine Alopecia)

Observe the pattern on how your ferret loses its coat. Does it start from the base of the tail and the inside of the legs? Does your ferret gradually lose more hair in most of his body? Are the tips of the tail and the head spared from the hair loss? If your answer is yes to all questions, then it is possible that your pet has hormonal imbalances. The most common causes are adrenal tumors or prolonged heat periods for the jills. For the jills, they usually grow their hair back when the heat cycle is over or when spayed. If your ferret is male or if it’s a spayed female and its losing hair in a pattern mentioned above, take your pet to the vet.

Adrenal Tumor

This has been mentioned above but let us discuss this in detail. Adrenal tumor affects 75 percent of ferrets over the age of 4. This is a serious problem that needs to be attended immediately. Surgery is a good option when your ferret is still young. However, when your ferret’s already old or is no longer a good candidate for surgery, medication is the only other option. Your pet may take medication for the rest of his life to control the tumor.

Food Allergies

Food allergies can also cause hair loss. If your ferret has digestive problems with some types of food, this may lead to vomiting, nausea or diarrhea. Your ferret will be stressed because of these. And stress, as we know, can cause shedding.

Topical allergies

Skin irritants, such as detergents or fabric softeners, cedar shavings , household cleaners and bug bite dermatitis, can cause allergies on your ferret which can lead to hair loss.

Other Causes to Consider

There may be other reasons why your ferret is losing hair. Include the possibilities of poor nutrition, fleas, severe mite infestation, a bacterial or fungal infection, or dry skin.…

Is Your Cat Sneezing Constantly?

If your cat sneezes frequently, or you have a kitten sneezing a lot, it can come from a host of reasons. Your little feline companion loves to stick his nose in every little crevice and crook, and can get his nasal passages blocked. With your constantly sneezing cat, it is difficult to make a sound diagnosis based on his symptoms. When a cat sneezes frequently, this behavior can be the result of nasal discharge and runny eyes. Whether caused by viral infection or nasal blockage, untreated, the condition can worsen and lead to more extreme disease.

So, what do you do when your cat keeps sneezing? Sure, you can fight Fluffy into a pet carrier, make an appointment with the vet, and watch in misery as your cat is, pricked and prodded, x-rayed and handled, all the while seeing the mistrust and pain in her eyes if your cat keeps sneezing. You can almost hear her thinking, “Why are you doing this to me? I love you. I trusted you!”

Aside from the mental stress and emotional wreckage levied on you and your cat, there is the vet’s bill, which can easily run several hundred dollars. I know, I spent $600 in two weeks trying to cure my cat’s nasal discharge, to no avail. And the vet is basically making a best guess when making his cat sneezing diagnosis.

I eventually found a company specializing in natural, homeopathic cures and remedies for pets. For a fraction of the cost of a vet, I was able to stop my cat sneezing constantly. It is even safe if you have a kitten sneezing a lot. If your cat sneezes frequently, maybe you would benefit from this natural cure as well.

Especially when dealing with young kittens, older cats and pregnant queens, using regular vaccines can be scary, even deadly. Their immune system is weak, and this makes them susceptible to strong medicines. Natural, non-chemical remedies have been proven to be extremely effective for curing these cats with weaker immune systems without putting them at risk from normal vaccines.

When your cat sneezes frequently, or displays other cat sneezing symptoms, he is asking for help. He can not drive to the drug store and fix himself, so reach out to him. If you have a cat sneezing constantly, he may benefit from a natural, holistic remedy. I was in the same boat you are in, and I know it worked for Shorty McGee, my 8 year old tortoiseshell, and my pocketbook! She is living proof of the effectiveness of natural, homeopathic remedies for pets.…

Are you looking for advice on being a better pet owner? Could you use a few tips on how to provide for your dog? You’re in the perfect place. This article is bursting at the seams with tips, tricks, and suggestions, all of which will help you do right by your pet.

If you are looking for a great family pet, but are on a budget, consider rescuing an animal.You can get one at a local shelter for minimal costs and the dog will come with a clean bill of health and all his shots. If you are interested in a specific breed, contact a rescue group specializing in only those pooches.

Never hit your dog. There are better ways to train a dog without having to resort to violence. The best way to train a dog is to reinforce positive behaviors with treats and attention. Negative behavior should be handled with a stern and disapproving voice as opposed to striking the animal.

If your dog has fleas, and they fall off his coat onto your floor, vacuum them up. However, remember that fleas are pretty good escape artists, so you need to throw out the bag immediately after you are finished. To be on the safe side, tape the bag completely shut before you take it out to your trash can.

Take your dog to the vet regularly. This may seem like an added expense that you don’t need, but when you take your dog to the veterinarian, he can screen your dog for diseases and make sure he is in the best of health. This of course prevents problems down the road.

Never allow your dog to be alone with small children, no matter how much you trust his temperament. Many little kids have been attacked by family dogs who have otherwise never demonstrated a tendency towards violence. Sleeping dogs may be woken by a toddler and react negatively or some other offense is committed against the animal that sets him off.

Having fresh and clean water available to your dog at all times is a must. Dogs become dangerously dehydrated in a matter of days, so its very important to always have water ready. Dogs will also appreciate water that is clean. If you find it necessary to drink filtered or bottled water because of the quality of water from your tap, then be sure to provide your dog with the same high quality water.

Before deciding on what type of dog to get for your family, consider space. Even though you may love the bigger dogs that you can really wrap your arms around, you may not have adequate space for a large breed. Take your home and yard size into consideration before bringing home a new pooch.

Ease your dog into knowing a new baby that comes into your home. Dogs can be very jealous and you need to continue to show him plenty of love an affection, even though you’ve got a brand new bundle of joy in your life. Talk to the dog as you handle the baby and keep him in the loop.

If you want a dog that behaves well you must take the time to properly train it. If you do not do this then you will almost surely be dealing with behavioral problems for the length of the dog’s life. Training is the only way that you can prevent this from happening.

Your dog needs to exercise regularly. Like humans, dogs must exercise to burn calories, remain healthy, and help their minds stay sharp. Exercising also helps them avoid boredom that can cause destructive behaviors. Keeping your dog active can curb chewing, biting, digging, and chasing urges. It can even help them avoid depression.

Humane Society

Put your dog through obedience training. A well-trained dog is a joy to live with for both you and them. Teaching them simple commands like “Come,” “Heel,” “Sit,” and “Stay” can help curb or prevent troublesome behaviors in no time. You can either teach them yourself, or you can find out about obedience courses by contacting the SPCA or the local humane society for class recommendations.

Hopefully, the advice you’ve found in this article has addressed any concerns you might have. Even if your problem isn’t addressed specifically, you may find that these suggestions can help you resolve your issue. Dog care isn’t as complicated as it seems, and some tips truly are one size fits all.…

Baby Ferret – Your New Kit

The baby ferret is often called a Kit, these cute little pets can be very fun to have, but you also need to stay informed on how to raise them well, and give them a happy life. The baby ferret is only a baby for a few months; they can mature as fast as three months.

What are some of the chores you need to do when you bring your baby ferret home for the first time, these 8 weeks old heart breakers need a few things to have a good childhood. First of all the ferrets room or cage needs to be ready, ferrets like it dark and somewhat chilly. The litterbox, water and food bowl needs to be integrated to the baby ferrets room. The ferret will have the urge to explore and discover new things around the home, so don’t be surprised if they are not interested in snuggling with you. Seeing that the ferret are going to run around you need to ferret proof your home, everything from doors and windows, to small cracks or sharp items need to be secure. When your ferret is awake it will be joyful and lively, but when it’s tired you should let it rest.

Ferrets need vaccines as they grow older, be sure to check when and what your ferrets need next, the info should be included in the papers you got at date of purchase. Ferrets don’t need to be out and about all the time, only one or two hours can be enough to keep them happy, the rest of the day they have no problem sleeping. The tasks at hand now are litter training your ferret, as well as keep them from biting or nibbling too much. This can be a difficult task, but a few simple tactics can help, like for instance when your ferret is peeing outside the box, try moving it to the litter box. Like many animals they need to be trained through trial and error. Another good trick is to increase the size of the litter box, making it difficult for your ferret to find a place to litter, for then to decrease it later.

When ferrets bite it can be because they are handled in a way they don’t like, or they are threatened, but when baby ferrets bite it can be because of itching in their teeth, or just a playfulness. Regardless you should try to make the ferret understand that it is not okay, seeing that it can lead to more aggressive biting later on in life.…

Cats are often viewed as feminine animals, but the truth is that there are plenty of cats perfect for becoming mans next best friend. Different breeds and bloodlines make an impact on how your new cat looks, behaves, and is cared for. Use this article to find some of the breeds that you find most entertaining.

Part of caring for your cat is taking it to regular veterinarian checkups. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due. Cats should visit the vet right away if they are having any issues.

Keep your cat healthy and non-finicky by introducing a varied diet. Always purchase several different brands of food and rotate them. In this way, your cat will be used to trying and accepting new tastes. If one food brand goes out of business, you will always have lots of other acceptable choices to offer.

Protect your cat from strangling by making sure the cords of curtains and blinds are secured and out of reach. When you make or purchase a dangly toy for your cat, be sure to supervise during play. Put the toy away if you will not be around to watch.

If you absolutely must bathe a cat, set everything up in advance. Set up two tubs large enough to dunk a cat. Fill them with comfortably warm water. Set your open bottle of cat shampoo, a heavy towel, and a secure pet carrier close by. Wear heavy rubber gloves. Grasp your cat by the scruff of the neck. Dunk, shampoo and scrub quickly in one tub. Dunk to rinse in the second tub. Wrap the cat securely in the towel and place in the carrier to dry.

Keep your cat indoors. Unlike dogs, it is nearly impossible to confine a cat to a yard. This can lead to many dangers for your cat, from cars, dogs, diseases from feral cats, and simply disappearing to parts unknown. Loose cats also be a nuisance to others, often killing songbirds and leaving unwelcome “deposits” in neighbor’s gardens. If your cat really enjoys the outdoors, they can be trained to wear a harness and leash or you can invest in a specialty cat fence or screened-in porch.

Feed your cat a proper diet. Cats are carnivores and have specific dietary needs. Feed them quality cat food that has been approved by AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials. If you wish to make your cat’s food yourself, make sure you speak with a vet about necessary supplements or specific recipes that your cat needs to eat.

Keep the litter box clean. Cats are naturally very clean animals, and a dirty litter box will have your cat looking for alternative places to relieve himself. Cats also value their privacy, so try to locate the box in an area that does not get a lot of foot traffic.

Pet

You should worry if your cat is no longer using its litter box. Using the bathroom outside of the litter box is linked to a number of cat health issues. A potential bladder or kidney infection may be the reason for this. Contact your veterinarian if your pet abandons its litter box.

There are lots of cats out there that do not have homes. Consider adopting one from your local pet agency before heading to the pet store. They usually provide the cat with all of the necessary shots before you adopt them. The cats are also spayed or neutered to prevent pet overpopulation.

Do not give human medications to cats. If you cat suffers from health issues, ask your vet for his recommended treatment option. Pets that have taken human medications face serious injury or worse.

Pet Adoption

If you are looking for a new home for your kitty, consider registering with an online pet adoption agency. Some of these companies screen applicants, so you will be sure that your pet is going into a good home. This is better than selling him to a creep who lurks around Craigslist all the time.

These cats are only a small part of the feline family and your options are nearly limitless. A budget and a location is all that is inhibiting you from bringing home the biggest and meanest tiger in the jungle. Animal adoption shelters are a great place to find these breeds and many more.…