Dogs

Protecting Your Furniture And Carpets With Cats

October 27, 2020 Comments Off

Those of us who are cat lovers know that our love of felines comes with a little frustration at times. One such time occurs when our kitties employ their claws to acts of destruction on your carpet or furniture.

We have all tried to train our cats to stop scratching the backs of our couches; many of us have experienced this is not a simple matter to correct. While some people resort to yelling or shooting water at their cat’s nose, there is a much more effective way to correct this issue.

If you’ve taken basic psychology, you’ll remember there are two types of reinforcement, positive and negative. Employ both reinforcement tactics to training your cat and you’ll be through the woods before you know it.

Negative Reinforcement ï¿½ The idea behind negative reinforcement is to take something away to impact behavior. When it comes to your cat scratching in areas you don’t want destroyed, you want to provide motivation for your cat to stop scratching.

One of the most effective ways of providing this motivation is through a product called Sticky Paws (available or your favorite pet supply retailer). To use this product, place the tape on the areas your cat has been scratching.

Positive Reinforcement ï¿½ Once you use the Sticky Paws, the next step is to provide the place where you want your cat to scratch. This can be as easy providing a scratch post, either large or small. These posts come in two varieties, cardboard and carpet, and either will do the trick.

Beyond just supplying the scratch post, you need to attract your cat to the post. A very easy way to develop this attraction is to spray the post with some Catnip Spray (Whiskercity makes one cats love). This can make for a playful transition from an undesired scratch area to a more appropriate one.

Old habits die hard ï¿½ More so for us, the human, than for our cats sometimes. If you’ve been caught yelling at your kitty, this can be a difficult habit to break. You may have become accustomed to hollering every time you hear your cat scratching. When you put both the Sticky Paws as well as new scratch post in place, you’ll want to become very intentional about checking where you kitty is scratching before open your internal megaphone.

Keep in mind all three of these areas. If you provide either the negative or positive reinforcement, you will be ineffective. To be successful you really need both. Likewise, if you continue to holler at your cat when they start scratching at your preferred scratch post, you’ll prevent them from forming the habit of scratching at the right spot.…

Learn About Crate Training Puppies

October 19, 2020 Comments Off

Crate training puppies has received a bad reputation in many articles and symposiums on dog care, but there are logical reasons for using a crate to train your pup. No one wants to see dogs that have to live in crates, but they are valuable for house-breaking your dog, and also for being a “chill out” place where your dog can relax without human interruption. Especially if you have young children who want to play all the time, your pup may actually appreciate a little “crate time” to rest, and get away from the little hands for awhile.
You will be helping your dog if you teach him what a crate is for. It’s valuable for traveling, for rest after an illness or injury, and for trips to the vet. When I lived in a house with rescue dogs, we had a crate for each dog even though they ran loose when we were home. At bedtime, most of the dogs headed for their own crates, and sacked out, with the doors open. A crate doesn’t have to be a cell or a dungeon; it can be a nice sleeping place.
Crate training puppies is also a valuable training tool if your pups are in that stage of life when they think everything is a chew toy. You can save a lot of wear and tear on your furniture, clothing, etc. if your dog has a crate full of chew toys. Always supervise your puppy if he has a rawhide bone or the like, in case he would have a choking problem.
Using a crate is a good way to help housebreak your pup, as well. The crate should be the right size for your dog – not too big and not too small. The dog will not usually soil an area where he will be sleeping, and a giant crate gives him the option of urinating and sleeping in the same place. He should rest comfortably in his crate, and it should be small enough that he won’t want to urinate or defecate there, because it is his sleeping area.
If your pup exhibits signs of separation anxiety, the crate can be a place of refuge for him when you have to leave him, to go to work, as most of us must do. You don’t even have to close the crate door if you don’t want to – he will be able to rest quietly in his crate, so that he won’t get all spastic and upset when you leave him. Some dogs just can’t handle the separation, and they truly pine for you while you’re away. They need to be able to relax and chill out while you are gone, and a crate is a place where this can happen. This is a very humane reason for crate training puppies.
Many trainers recommend that crate training puppies be done in your bedroom, where you sleep. Personally, I like my dog to sleep on the bed with me, but if you want a dog-free bed, the crate is a good alternative. And if you train him to crate up first, when he’s a pup, you can always invite him into your bed later on, when he’s not so bouncy and boisterous, so you can get some sleep.
Don’t give your pup attention when he cries in his crate. I know it sounds cruel, but he needs to learn that it’s OK for him to be alone in his crate and accept that alone time. Don’t reward his crying with attention, because it will defeat the purpose of training him to stay in the crate. If you use your bedroom for training, he will eventually relax and sleep when you do, so that is an excellent first step in getting your pup used to a crate.…

Cat Dander Air Cleaner—5 Features To Steer Clear Of

August 19, 2020 Comments Off

If you’re allergic to your cat, you know that it is the protein in the dander that can cause such horrible symptoms. If you’re tired of sneezing, coughing, watering eyes, congestion, and feeling as if you can’t breathe whenever you cat comes near, you need an air purifier for the dander. Here are 5 features to avoid when selecting one.

One Without A HEPA—This type of filter is a star when it comes to removing microscopic airborne particles. Spelled out it stands for high efficiency particle arresting filter and is the same technology used by hospitals to insure the air is clean.

It is able to remove 99.97% of particles that are.3 microns or smaller. And it does it with 97% efficiency. The benefit to you is that this type of filter is guaranteed to leave only 3 out of every 10,000 airborne particulates. That’s an amazing track record by anyone’s s standard.. That’s what you want working for you against cat dander.

A Unit With Zero Pre-Filters-These filters that come before the other filters are an excellent indication that your filter will last a long time. They can eliminate the big and medium size particulates saving the smaller size filter to trap small to microscopic particles..

Having these filters sort through the pollutants and leave the smallest pollutants for the filter with the smallest holes saves you money on replacement filters and bunches of time you would have spent replacing filters. Large and medium particle pre-filters should be standard on your cleaner.

No Odor Control—Living with any animal means living with some odor. For those of us who love cats, their particularly scent can be comforting. This will probably not be the case for others who visit your home..

A purifier that uses carbon cloth for odor control is the best of both worlds. Originally designed by the British Military to be used against chemical warfare, it is excellent at removing gases, odors, and chemicals. And because it is a cloth, it also eliminates particles.

Limited Operation—Dander production is continuous. It is the skin’s way of discarding old and damaged skin for newer healthier skin that is more able to ward off disease and infection.

A unit with a motor that can only run for part of the day should be left on the shelf in the store. Because dander is constantly being shed, you need a cleaner that can be just as constant about removing it.. A split capacitor motor will allow 24 hour operation that is safe, effective, and efficient.

One Speed Filtration—There are some days when things just happen faster than others. Having a cleaner that is able to take out pollutants more quickly when you know that there is more in your air is a huge advantage.. Having a purifier that has a low, medium, and high speed adjustment will let your cleaner keep up with whatever is happening in your life and your cat’s.…

Cat Care – Everything You Need To Know

April 20, 2019 Comments Off

Everyone knows that cats make great pets. However, not everyone understands what it takes to properly care for your cat. While they are famous for being independent, there is still a lot of work to be done on the owners part. The article below will illustrate what every cat owner needs to know.

If you have multiple cats, save money on cat dishes by checking your local dollar store for salsa dishes. You can usually get a package of three for a dollar. These are sturdy and come in pretty colors. They look nice in your kitchen, and they are just the right size for cat food.

Make sure to keep your cat’s litter box clean at all times. Most cats do not like to use a dirty litter box, much like you would not want to use a dirty toilet. Scoop it at least once a day. Empty and give it a good cleaning once a week or more if needed.

If a cat is outdoors frequently, they need a collar that has a tag. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost. The tag should contain at least the cat’s name and your contact information.

Your cat might not come running when you call, but most cats enjoy cuddling on their terms and time. Cats love to have their heads and backs pet. Not all cats like their tummies rubbed so be careful. Spending quality time with your cat will make lasting memories to look back on someday.

If you cat is pregnant is with babies, you can expect to have a lot of kittens on your hands. Create a comfortable place for the cat to deliver her babies somewhere in your home. Make sure the spot is big enough for the kittens to move around as they grow.

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.

Cats have a natural instinct to hunt small prey. This can sometimes be a problem if you have other small animals in your home. Make sure that bird cages are hanging from the ceiling. If you have a gerbil or hamster, make sure their cages are secure and up high out of your cats reach.

There are a lot of cats that are overweight. An obese cat can end up developing health problems such as arthritis or diabetes. If your cat could stand to lose a pound or two, try cutting back their food a little bit at each feeding. You can also buy some toys and encourage your cat to play and exercise.

Pet

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.

Wash your cat’s bed at least once a week to remove all of the bacteria from it. Even if the bed looks like it is clean, it will usually have toxins in it that can cause your pet to become sick. Replace the bed every six months to keep your cat in a sanitary environment.

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.

Cats are some of the most lovable and comforting pets a person can own. However, there is a great deal of responsibility that comes with being a cat owner. Be sure and use the advice mentioned in the article above so that your cat can live a long and healthy life.…

Have A Bouncing Happy Dog With This Advice.

April 2, 2019 Comments Off

When you are doubting your dog ownership skills, you may feel very alone. There are many other dog owners out there who feel exactly the same! Mistakes are made, and we can learn from each other through those situations. Here are some simple tips on being a better owner for your dog.

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.

Your pet needs vaccinations, much in the same way that your baby does. Some common vaccinations that dogs require include rabies, hepatitis and distemper. Each pet is different, and each will have a different immunization schedule. Your veterinarian is a great resource when it comes to which vaccinations are right for the age and breed of your pet.

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.

When you are trying to teach your dog new tricks, you should always be patient. Different dogs will learn things differently. If your dog isn’t picking up a new trick right away, give him time. You could also try changing your teaching method. Your dog may respond better to a different approach.

If your puppy or dog is constantly chewing up your furniture, invest in some chew-toys. Scatter them around the floor, especially around the legs of the sofa and end-tables. Be enthusiastic about your offers to play with the chewies with your dog to encourage frequent use. This should eventually deter him from chomping your furniture.

It is important for you to take your dog in to see the vet on a fairly regular basis. Just like humans, dogs can develop health problems like toothaches, arthritis and weight gain. Do not wait until you think your dog is sick before taking him in to be seen.

Never give your dog milk! It’s not necessary for his body and he doesn’t have the proper enzymes to digest it anyway. Feeding your dog cow’s milk can lead to chronic diarrhea and leave him with an upset stomach, among other health problems. Stick with plain old water for a healthy and hydrated dog.

Keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy with regular brushing. Most canines don’t mind you brushing their teeth, provided you introduce them to the process slowly and gently. Use a specially designed dog brush, along with other products made just for him. Remember to provide him with toys and biscuits that will also clean and protect his teeth.

Give your dog a lot of love. Like a lot of things, people notice bad behavior more often that good behavior. That could mean trouble later with your dog. On a ratio of five:one, seek out the positive things your dog does and reward him accordingly. Your dog will be far more likely to try to behave properly.

If you are not allowed to place a fence in your yard but want your dog to run freely there, consider an electric fence. Electric fences are easy and inexpensive to install, and they can help to keep your free roaming pet safely contained. Using them will require a little training, but they are quite effective if you put the work in.

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!

Hold on, take some deep breathes and tomorrow will be better than today. Use the advice you have read here and allow it to give you ideas of your own. There is nothing like loving a dog, and while the job of caring for them is hard, it is worth every second.…

The Wide World Of Cats Is Easy To Understand With Simple Tips

March 19, 2019 Comments Off

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but cats can make pretty great pets too. Whether your cat is aloof or appreciates a good snuggle, a cat can be a wonderful companion. However, cats aren’t always easy to care for. Here are a few tips on getting the most out of your cat.

If your cat suddenly goes off its feed for no apparent reason, try tempting treats such as jack mackerel, tuna, or cream of chicken soup in small amounts. These are not complete foods and shouldn’t be fed long term, but they are extremely tasty to cats. A finicky cat may start eating again and keep on when given one of these treats.

To help prevent tapeworm infestation in cats, feed a small amount of food grade diatomaceous earth for two weeks out of each month. About a quarter of a teaspoon per cat per day is adequate. Food grade diatomaceous earth kills internal parasites and causes them to be expelled from the system.

Cats love to squeeze into tiny spaces. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free. Breakaway collars are made to come off if tugged on vigorously. This could save your cat’s life!

As your cat gets older, changes in behavior may signal pain. If your cat doesn’t like to jump or climb any more, it may be in pain. If your cat stops taking care of grooming or stops using its litter box, pain may be the cause. Be sure to have your older cat checked out by your vet if you notice behavior changes.

Protecting your cat from household chemicals is something that you may already know, but did you know that protecting them from medications is just as important? Common over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen can be toxic to your cat, even in small doses. Keep your medication safely out of the reach of your cat.

Protect your cat from choking. Be sure to dispose of poultry and fish bones safely. Wrap them in a paper or plastic bag and put them in your outdoor garbage can with the lid tightly secured. Alternately, place them in a plastic bag and freeze them until garbage pick up day.

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.

Give cat box liners a try. These may not work for everyone, but they can be helpful if they work for you. Line the litter box with one of these liners, and then put cat litter in as usual. If it works correctly, you should be able to gather the liner and dispose of the litter. Unfortunately, sometimes cats just scratch the liner to pieces as they are doing their business.

Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don’t toss a scratching post when it’s getting particular worn and frazzled. While it doesn’t appear clean and new, your cat probably thinks otherwise. For a cat, it is comfortable and familiar. If you throw it away too soon, that cat may look to your furniture for some clawing while it slowly breaks in a new scratching post.

When you introduce a new cat into your home, you have to be careful with how your other cat reacts. Try giving the new cat a little space in one room at first, and then introduce him to the rest of the house. Make sure to have different litter boxes at first too. If you ease the new cat in, it will go more smoothly for everyone.

Animal Control

Keep track of your feline friend by having the animal microchipped. This small device is implanted beneath the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades. Microchip implantation may sting for a few seconds, but the implant is otherwise unnoticeable and will not cause your pet any discomfort. This chip makes it easier for animal control to locate your cat if it goes missing.

Living with cats can be frustrating, but it can also be fantastic. Thanks to this article, you should have a lot of ideas on how to better care for your pet. Dog lovers may get more slobbery kisses, but cats are wonderful in their own way. These suggestions will help you appreciate yours.…

Tips On How To Properly Care For A Cat

March 3, 2019 Comments Off

There are some purchases that justify spending the extra dollar and what your cat eats is definitely one of them. The difference between the “good food” and the “cheap food” is phenomenal. Just stick with buying the natural, healthy food from the beginning and you won’t ever have to worry about a picky kitten.

An indoor cat who gets a taste of the outdoors will forever want to go outside. If you know your cat will always be an indoor cat, do your best to keep them from sneaking out. You can try to train your cat to stay in your yard when you are outside.

Make sure to keep chemicals and dangerous substances away from your cat. Chemicals like antifreeze have a sweet taste. This encourages the cat to drink it, most often resulting in fatal consequences. Keeping your chemicals locked up in a cabinet will help to ensure that your curious cat does not end up ingesting poison.

Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Cats need social time with the family just like people do so that they know that they are valued. Cats want to feel loved and needed.

Remember that very young children can be a bit too rough with a cat or new kitten. Guide your kids in handling a feline. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Feline bones are weaker than those of many other pets, so they must be handled with care.

Handle your kitten often. The longer your cat is handled as a kitten, the more readily they will accept being handled when they are grown, especially around their paws. This is important as all cats will have to visit the vet occasionally, and this process is much easier and less stressful if the cat is accustomed to being handled. It will also make grooming and nail trimming much easier.

When bringing a new kitten home, take it slow. It is tempting for children to want to play with the new addition to your home immediately. But the young cat will likely be scared. Give the cat time to acclimate itself to your home and to get comfortable with everyone.

Acclimate your cat to its carrier. Cats don’t react to punishment like dogs do. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Put a favorite blanket and toy in the carrier and leave it open somewhere the cat frequents. Sooner or later, your cat will try out the appealing space and learn to be comfortable in it. It’s a much easier way to get the cat in.

If you want a cat to come your way, it may be a good idea for you to refrain from looking at them. Cats do not like it when people look them directly in the eye, so they tend to go the other way. This is why it seems as if cats always gravitate toward people who are not really fond of animals.

Understand your cat’s sounds. Meowing is a form of communication, often for food or to get your attention. There are other sounds, though. Hissing usually indicates fear or anger, so you should stay away. Cats also make certain sounds when they see prey. This often sounds like a chirp. Purring may indicate contentment, but sometimes it means nervousness.

Provide safe and engaging entertainment for your cat at all times. Even if you cannot be in the house with your pet, you should ensure that it has access to toys and other diversions. Sometimes we perceive that cats are lazy animals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy playing to pass the time. This is especially important if your cat is alone in your house for long periods of time.

Animal Control

Cats are all unique and some cats prefer different kinds of food than others and nothing is harder to please than a picky feline. As you get to know your pet, experiment with different foods and treats until you learn what they do and don’t like to eat. You will likely find that you both enjoy some of the same foods.…

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