General Articles

Ferret Rescue

Rusty

Ferret Rescue

There are often many reason why ferret rescue is necessary. A ferret can accidentally get lost in the wild, or in a city. When such a thing happens it can be very stressful not only for the pet but for the owner as well. But even more tragic is when someone releases a domesticated ferret deliberately because they don’t want to care for it anymore. They probably think that the ferret is capable of surviving on its own, but this is almost never true.

Attempting To Rescue a Lost Ferret

If you find that your ferret has gone missing from you home, here are some steps to take to try to get it back.

Check everywhere you can think of that it might like to hide – both inside and outside of your home

Call your local ferret rescue agency and pet shelter (giving them a picture would be helpful)

Place an ad in your local newspaper and consider offering a reward for the safe return of your pet

Check with any vets in your area to see if anyone has dropped off a stray or injured ferret

Put up flyers around your neighborhood with a picture of your missing pet and contact information

How to Adopt from a Ferret Rescue Shelter

Most ferret rescue shelters are happy when they can place a rescued ferret with a loving family. But, don’t think that you can just go to a shelter and take one home. You will need to go through an application process to determine if your family and living environment is suitable for a pet ferret.

You will be required to show that you know and understand the basic requirements of ferret ownership and that you have the time and resources available to meet those needs.

Be prepared, also, to pay an adoption fee. Fees can vary widely, but as a rule of thumb you can expect to pay between $75 and $100. Fees are necessary as they help support the shelter in the terrific work they are doing.

Ferret Rescue Agencies and Shelters

There are an amazing number of agencies and shelters committed to ferret rescue. A good resource you might want to check out is The American Ferret Association’s Shelter List and the FML Shelter List in the United States.

You will find several ferret rescue shelters in the UK, Canada, Australia and lots of other countries, too. To find one near you, try an Internet search for “ferret rescue” in your area and you’ll find lots of resources.

Alternately take a look in the Yellow Pages of your local phone book. If they don’t have a section for ferret shelters, then look under “Animal Shelters.”

Surrendering Your Ferret to a Rescue Shelter

Unforeseen circumstances can sometimes force you into having to give up your pet. If you’re not able to find them a suitable home on your own, then you should seriously consider finding a shelter that knows how to care for them and may be able to find them a new home.

Never release a domesticated ferret into the wild. They have been a pet and simply won’t be able to adapt. Doing such a thing will only sentence them to a slow and lonely death.…

Animal Control

How an Effective Flea Prevention For Cats Work?

Rusty

Frontline Plus for cats

Frontline Plus is very effective flea prevention for cats. It is used to kill fleas in all its stages and works against killing ticks. There are different varieties of fleas and each one of them is prevalent more in certain regions. It is difficult to identify the type of dog fleas by a pet owner but with an effective medication like frontline Plus, one does not have to worry for his pets.

Frontline Plus is the flea prevention for cats is helpful in killing the entire family f fleas as well as ticks. In just 24 hours of application, frontline Plus will effectively kill all fleas and ticks. As a result, the pet gets instant relief from itching and scratching. This medication gives immediate result.

Frontline Plus has two powerful ingredients; one of them is fipronil which kills the adult fleas and ticks by attacking their central nervous system. This makes the fleas, ticks disable, and they are not able to move. The application of the medication prevents the ticks from jumping and thus they do not infect other places. The other ingredient present in the flea prevention for cats is S-Methoprene. This ingredient kills eggs and larva of all types of fleas. When these two ingredients mix, it provides an all-round effect in killing these tiny pests.

This flea prevention for cats is a powerful medication and comes with an instruction to apply it in the right manner. It is very essential to apply this medication properly else, it will not show the desired result. One has to part the dog’s fur with fingers after taking the medication on the tip of the finger. Then apply the medication on the dog’s skin and not on the fur. One has to wait for three days before grooming the pet.

Some precautions while using flea prevention for cats

Kids must not be allowed to touch the medication; they must not apply it on the pet.After applying the medication, make sure that the pet is made to worn veterinary cone. This is done so that the pet is not able to lick itself.

Wash the hands properly after applying this flea prevention for cats.…

Rescue Dogs

Owner's Guide to Cat Tapeworms

Rusty

There are many parasites that can give cats problems. Feline tapeworms are some of the most common. These white worms are capable of growing approximately eight inches long if they live long enough. Thanks to the suckers and hooks that Mother Nature equipped them with, they’re capable of attaching themselves to the walls of the small intestine of your cat.

Cats typically don’t experience many problems if they’re infested with just a few of them. However, tapeworms in cats can cause serious problems as their numbers increase. They will keep your feline from getting the proper nutrition from their food, eventually causing them to shed pounds. Their fur will also undergo changes, becoming rough and dull.

To understand how feline tapeworms infect cats, you first need to understand a bit about their life cycle. As you know, fleas can easily infect your cat. Sometimes, fleas will harbor cysticercoids, which are formed when flea larvae eat tapeworm eggs. If your cat bites at an area infested with infected fleas, he may end up swallowing one.

After eating an infected flea, the small intestine will break it down and leave the cysticercoids to develop into adult cat tapeworms. This is when they will attach themselves to the small intestine walls and sustain themselves with the nutrients that your cat is supposed to get from his food.

Feline tapeworms are segmented. As they grow, segments will break off and pass out of the body through the feces. Owners who inspect their cat’s feces will likely notice them. They look like small grains of rice that are moving around. Some of these segments may also appear around the anus.

Your vet can determine if your cat has tapeworms quite easily. He will simply have to take a look at a sample of your cat’s feces under a microscope. They aren’t always easy to see via the naked eye.

Fortunately, tapeworms in cats are usually easy to deal with. You will need to give your cat dewormer medication in order to get rid of them. One cycle of this medication may not be enough to get rid of the infestation entirely though.

Parasites such as fleas and lice play a vital role in the transmission of feline tapeworms. Therefore, owners need to do their best to control these parasites so that their cat doesn’t get infested with worms. Limiting the amount of time that your cat spends outside roaming around will help. Giving him dewormer medication on a regular basis will also be useful.…

General Articles

6 Essential Substances Your Cat Must Have in Its Diet to Thrive

Rusty

6 Essential Substances Your Cat Must Have in Its Diet to Thrive

Cats require a certain balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fresh water, minerals and vitamins in their daily diet. It is up to us to provide that mix for them in order for them to stay healthy and thrive.

Cats need protein for strength. They are used for growth and repair of the body and also provide your cat with energy when metabolized. The amount of protein needed varies with the age of your cat. Kittens require a diet that contains around 50% of protein where as 30% is good for adults. Older cats require less as they are often less energetic and the liver and kidneys are less efficient in flushing out the toxic by-products produced in the breaking down process.

Carbohydrates are the major source of energy for most animals, including your cat. They are a much cheaper energy source than protein which is why there are high amounts in many commercial cat foods. However, your cat can survive without them as there are very few carbohydrates in the foods they hunt such as mice. Carbohydrates are also a great source of fibre which provides bulk in the faeces.

Fats are essential for cats as they provide energy. In fact fats are the second major source of energy for your cat. They are able to digest around 95% of the fats consumed. Any excess fat is stored as insulation as well as protecting the internal organs.

Fresh water is essential for all living animals. Without it we will die. If the water in your cat’s dish is stale or has chemicals added to the water supply, try using bottled water instead. Your cat doesn’t need the chemicals and they will probably do him harm. If you drink bottled water, you should also provide some for your cat. It is relatively cheap when purchased in 5 litre containers.

Vitamins and minerals are required as micro-nutrients as they help refine the bodily functions. An excess of vitamins can be harmful to your cat so be aware of this if you are preparing your cat food yourself. Cats need vitamins A, D, E and K but are able to synthesize vitamin C so it doesn’t need to be added to foods. Most vitamins and minerals are found in the foods your cat eats and if your cat is eating a healthy balanced diet, he shouldn’t need mineral supplements.

Cats need taurine which is essential for the digestion of fats. Studies have shown that cats are at risk of going blind if they don’t have enough taurine in their diet. It is an essential ingredient for normal heart muscle function in your cat.

By choosing the best cat food you can afford, you are giving your cat a healthy start. The extra you pay for the food will be saved on less visits to the vet. And we all want our cats and kittens to be as healthy as possible.…

Adopt a Dog

Cat Urine Odor Removal Guaranteed

Rusty

Using chlorine dioxide for cat urine odor removal allows you to eliminate the odor and any odor-causing ions that may have been absorbed into other surfaces in the room.

Cats are one of the most beloved pets. They are beautiful, usually quiet, groom themselves, and are generally low-maintenance, as opposed to dogs. Cats even ‘take themselves’ to the bathroom, unlike dogs which need to be let out regularly. One unpleasant reality of owning a cat, however, is the potential for cat pee odor.

Cats are also pretty easy to litter train. However, sometimes they still urinate elsewhere. Some male cats and even female cats which aren’t neutered or spayed may ‘spray,’ which is even worse than regular cat pee odor.

Here are some tips on how to prevent cat pee odors, as well as how to remove pet odors:

* The best treatment for most odors is preventing them. Make sure your cat(s) always have a fresh, clean litter box. Cats are finicky creatures, and if their box isn’t up to their standards, they’ll go elsewhere.

* If your cat hasn’t been neutered or spayed, consider it. This will probably prevent (or solve) any spraying problems you may have.

* Once your cat has urinated outside the litter box, clean it up immediately. If you don’t, they will just do it again. As long as they can smell the urine, they will think that is an approved alternate to the litter box. Cat pee odor removal can be difficult. There are a lot of suggestions on how to remove pet odors. Natural home remedies such as vinegar, baking soda and peroxide are said to work at eliminating the odor, but they may not do a thorough job.

* Learn how to remove pet odors without causing harm to yourself or your pets. Sometimes fumes or residue from certain cleaners are caustic, perhaps not to you, but to your more sensitive feline. Read warning labels carefully.

* Some chemicals just weren’t meant to be used on carpet, a common problem area forcat pee odor removal. They may contain bleaching agents that will discolor your carpet or damage the fibers. Again, read labels and proceed with caution, always testing an inconspicuous area first.

* Cat pee odor removal can be difficult because of the crystals in cat urine. When the urine dries, crystals remain, and when they are rubbed while cleaning, often settle deeper into carpet and other surfaces. The crystals need to be broken down and removed to keep the odor from returning.…

Adopt a Pet

A Cat Harness And Leash – Exercise And Fresh Air For Your Cat

Rusty

These day it is not at all unusual to see folks out walking their feline companion using a cat harness and leash.

Many of us keep our cats indoors for many reasons. One drawback is that our cats may not be getting sufficient exercise.

Of course playing with your cat helps keep her in trim, as does cat equipment such as kitty condos or climbers. But a regular walk about may be just the thing for keeping your indoor feline in tip top shape. A cat harness and leash is essential for accomplishing this safely.

If your cat has never been walked on a leash before then she is going to need training and it will take quite some patience.

You cannot take a trip to the pet store, select a leash and harness, and be out walking your cat the same day. It is going to take time for your cat to be comfortable with the idea of wearing a harness, let alone being restricted by a leash.

Please, understand that cats should never be walked with a leash attached to a collar. Cats are not built the same way as dogs, their necks are not as sturdy. A leash attached to a collar would put a strain on your cat’s neck when she resists the pull, a harness is essential.

The first thing is to get your cat to wear the strange looking contraption. This can only be done with gentle loving persuasion. A good tip is to just leave the harness on the floor for a few days, let your cat sniff at it and get used to it as an object.

Next, attempt to get kitty into the harness, all the time talking to her soothingly. Yes, it is likely she will resist, wriggle and fuss, maybe even attempt to scratch. Don’t force the issue, let her be and try again later.

When your patience has triumphed and your cat is harnessed, give her a lot of praise. If she accepts wearing it all well and good, keep her in it for no longer than ten minutes, but it is more likely she will protest and if she does let her wear it for a few moments, then release her before she gets stressed. Again giving plenty of praise.

Repeat this routine until your cat is quite comfortable walking around wearing her harness indoors.

Now is the time to attach the leash, but don’t try to walk her yet even indoors. Let her drag the lead around, watch that it does not snag on anything. The idea is to get your her used to the idea that a cat harness and leash go together.

When your cat is happy with wearing both leash and harness, pick up the handle of the leash. Follow your cat, don’t try to get her to follow you just yet. Should your pet sit down, pull at the lead or stop, then don’t pull, keep the leash slack and use enticing words to try and persuade her to move.

After several sessions, you may be able to congratulate yourself that you’ve trained your little pet to walk around indoors wearing her cat harness and leash, well done.

Now for the outdoors.

Make it a very short walk out at first, and pick a quiet time. Most probably kitty will not be much interested in walking at first, too many new smells to check out.

Don’t try five mile hikes, she is only a cat, investigate where she wants to with you in control to keep her out of trouble. Your feline friend will get great benefit from her little walks on a cat harness and leash, a little exercise, fresh air and some relief from being indoors.…

General Articles

6 Must Know Tips Before Getting A Kitten

Rusty

6 Must Know Tips Before Getting A Kitten

Getting a kitten can be one of the most wonderful experiences in a person’s life. For anyone wishing to bring home a kitten for the first time, there are lots of important points that have to be noted by the members of his or her household. Since it is a huge step to bring a pet home, it is always a good idea to make sure that you can take proper care of it and are prepared to invest time in mingling with the new pet to know about its behavior, likes and dislikes, and don’t mind spending time in training it.

Before getting a kitten, the members of your household should make sure that their house has been made suitable for the cat. All dangerous items such as pesticides, insect killing sprays, and sharp items should be moved out of the range of the kitten. A kitten is just like an infant baby, unaware of the items inside a home that can prove to be dangerous for its health.

To prepare for your new pet and in order to make her feel comfortable, a few treats such as cat condos, cat food, and a cat carrier should be purchased before the kitten is brought home.

One vital tip that potential kitten owners have to keep in their mind is that their feeding dish should always be kept clean. If you notice that your kitty is not consuming her food that was kept in the dish, the food should immediately be disposed off and the dish be cleaned properly.

Kittens often love to sleep on carpets as it gives them a warm and soft feeling. For this reason, they should be kept as clean as possible and vacuumed regularly so that parasites do not trouble your delicate new friend.

Cleaning the litter tray of kittens is equally important and should be done on a regular basis. If their litter tray is not cleaned regularly, kittens would usually get into the habit of making other corners of your home dirty. Try sprinkling baking soda on the tray to avoid bad smells coming from it.

Before getting a kitten, it is always advisable that her new owners are aware of the type of food that kittens usually consume. If your kitty is exposed to food of new brands, there is a chance that her delicate stomach may get into trouble.

Bringing home a new pet is a great responsibility and we hope that you will bear these tips in mind before getting a kitten.…