Owning a Cat: 8 Things to Consider

Before getting a cat, make sure you know what you are letting yourself in for. Despite their perceived independence, cats do need looking after. Here are some things to consider:

1. Your cat can live for up to 20 years. Can you offer continued love and attention for that period of time? remember, as your cat gets older, so do you. They need looking after as they age, just like we do.

2. Where will you be in 5, 10 or 15 years time? Will there be room in your life for a cat?

3. Can you afford the veterinary fees if your cat gets ill? Yearly check-ups are the minimum and your cat will need regular vaccinations and should, ideally, be neutered.

4. You cat will need de-fleaing, de-worming and other routine health maintenance. This all cost time and money.

5. What will happen to your cat when you go on holiday or visiting friends? Catteries cost money and there may not always be friends that can help.

6. Feeding your cat will cost a minimum of $10 per week. Can you afford this expense throughout the life of your cat?

7. Additional items may be needed - a litter tray, bedding, bowls, collars, cat toys and special treats; have you got the room and the money to provide these?

8. Some cats need additional treatments- for example, a long haired cat may need regular grooming; is this a commitment you are prepared to provide?

Owning a cat is a lifelong experience. We all want cats to have a good home and a good life. Make sure, however, that you can provide that for your cat, before you buy.

My Links : Blog Good Yoga for Beginners Snag a Jobs

Continuar leyendo

The Pros And Cons Of Flushable Cat Litter

If you have cats, no doubt you know that keeping the litter box clean is one of the biggest chores you face. And the odor can be a constant problem no matter what you do. To this end, marketers have tried to come up with ways that will make this chore easier. One of these ways is using flushable cat litter.

Flushable litter can be convenient for owners because instead of having to dispose of clumping or other types of litter in waste receptacles, you can simply flush it down the toilet and get rid of smell and mess in one instant. And indeed, this can be a great convenience for many cat owners.

These litters are often also lighter in texture. Typically, the cost is roughly the same as other types of litters in cost per use. They may appear more expensive because of their lighter weight (for example, if regular clumping clay costs 20 cents a pound and the flushing type costs three times that, this looks more expensive, but you should remember that it will weigh less per use and thus can go farther). They can be hard to find as well, but availability of Internet shopping makes this a relatively minor problem, since owners can have it shipped to them if it is not available in their area.

However, you should know that this has its drawbacks as well. One of these is that you exchange contributing to landfill waste with used litter, for water waste and extra sewage. Therefore, it may not be any more environmentally sound than simply disposing of used litter in the trash. Its advantage is that because the soiled mess is flushed instantly, there is usually much less lingering box odor. In addition, some types of litter can be composted once dried stools are removed. This may be the way to have the least environmental impact from your cat's box.

One other consideration with using flushing versus conventional litter is your cat's "opinion" of the litter itself. Many cats are so used to the regular texture and feel of clay that they will not use the flushing type. In this case, of course, the most important consideration is whether or not your cat will use the box at all. You should keep careful watch to see if you cat does or does not like the flushable litter.

You may be able to get him or her to use it if you began by mixing a small amount of the flushing litter in with your cat's regular litter (without flushing this at first, of course, but disposing in the trash as usual) and gradually increasing the amount of flushable litter and decreasing the amount of the clay until you're using 100% flushable. Even with this type of "break-in" period, some cats never get used to the flushing type and will only stay with tried-and-true clumping variety. However, if your cat does like it, it may be a viable alternative for you.

In short, if you have a cat, your litter box use is going to have at least some environmental impact that will be detrimental. However, flushable cat litter can give you a much "cleaner" way to manage waste than other traditional types. Because they can be flushed and do not have to be thrown away in the trash, it generally makes for much less smell and mess than traditional clays do. The choice is yours, and as always, you should make the best one possible for your lifestyle and preferences. Just remember your cat will likely have the final say.

Related : Blog Good Dating Games Online Snag a Jobs

Continuar leyendo

What Cats Like To Play With

In order to understand what cats like to play with, you need to first understand the nature of your cat. We call cats pets but actually 90% of their nature is still "wild". Cats don't "think", they act in most cases on their natural instincts.

Cats can be categorized as "sneakers and hunters". They hunt birds, mice and other small animals. Their method is, they sneak as close as possible towards their prey. Then they have the best chances to suddenly appear right next to the prey and grab it. If you understand this hunting behavior, you can have a lot of fun playing with your cat. Playing is absolutely necessary for the health and feelings of your cat. Here are some ideas on how you can do it:

- Take a straw and hide behind a furniture. Leave only a little piece of the straw that can be seen by your cat. Then move the straw backwards, so that the cat can see less of it. I bet you, the cat will jump at it before it's all gone behind the furniture.

- Take a piece of paper and crumple it to a ball. Then put a little cord around it and tie it up. Your cat will love this toy, you can use it for any kind of stuff. You hand hold it just as high that your cat can reach the ball. You can will jump at it. My cat used to do even somersaults when I used that toy.

- Cats will run after all kinds of little balls, like those little ones made of paper. Unfortunately they don't bring the balls back like dogs do it...

- You can use long tiny branches, sticks or blade of gras to play with your cat.

So there are various ways to play with your cat. Keep in mind that they like to chase, hide and creap than you will be able to come up with all kinds of new ideas on how to play with your cat. Be aware that cats don't always want to play. Cats sleep a lot during daytime and they might not want to be boughered. They are just different than dogs, they have their own "will". You can not force a cat to do anything, the cat will show you what it likes and what not, so listen carefully!

Finally you should give your cat the possibility to go outside the house, if possible. Cats love the nature and they love to play in the garden. Don't be afraid that your cat runs away, it will come back if you treated it good... You should get the cat used to be outside the house when it is little, then it will be able to build its natural instincts.

Friends Link : Blog Good Central Market Lamar Yoga for Beginners The Office Wedding

Continuar leyendo

7 Symptoms of Cat Urinary Tract Infection and What You Can Do About It

Ever wondered how to spot early cat urinary tract infection symptoms? Cat urinary problems are known as silent killers because cats have a high tolerance for pain and often don't even show that they have a problem until it's too late. It pays off to be able to detect the symptoms of infection so you can spot the condition early and treat it at home before it spirals out of control. Here are 7 symptoms to look out for.

1. Is your cat urinating more or less frequently than usual? A change in urination patterns is often one of the earliest symptoms. It helps to know how your cat normally behaves in order to spot a change in urination patterns.

2. Common urinary tract infection symptoms include straining to urinate. If your cat tries to urinate often and only drops of urine come out at a time, it is likely that he is suffering from a UTI.

3. Other cat urinary symptoms include foul-smelling urine. If the urine looks cloudy and smells bad, you can suspect that UTI is the cause.

4. Is your cat urinating outside of his or her litter box? If you notice it urinating in strange places such as the kitchen sink, UTI may be the cause. Because UTIs are painful, your cat probably associates the litter box with the pain and tries to avoid it at all costs.

5. Is your cat grooming his or her genitals often? Frequent grooming of the genitals could mean that it is suffering from swollen, painful genitals from a urinary infection. Bacterial infections will cause its genitals to get inflamed. You should be especially suspicious if your cat is crying while grooming as if he or she were in pain.

6. Surefire cat urinary tract infection symptoms include urine in the blood. Get it to urinate on a light-colored surface if you suspect UTI. If you see traces of blood, take it to the vet as soon as possible.

7. Cat urinary symptoms that you should be concerned about include fever and a swollen, tender abdomen. Furthermore, if your cat is acting lethargic, it's a sign that it may be in the late stages of UTI. Get your cat treated as soon as you can.

So there you have it. These are common cat urinary tract infection symptoms that you should look out for. If you notice any of them, make sure to give your cat a homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic remedies are very helpful in healing infections and preventing recurrence. They will help your cat maintain a healthy bladder, urinary tract, and strong immune system. Remember to keep these symptoms in mind and if you spot even one of them, give your cat a homeopathic remedy. Better yet, give your cat a homeopathic remedy to prevent them occurring altogether.

My Links : Blog Good Concert Stickets Cheap

Continuar leyendo

Tibetan Mastiff

The latest craze in China is the Tibetan Mastiff. The dog has become a symbol of affluence sought by wealthy Chinese. One wealthy Chinese woman paid $600,000 for an 18 month purebred male.

The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed of dog associated with nomadic cultures of Central Asia. It is considered a holy animal that brings good health and security to its owners. Two types can come from the same litter. The monastery type and the nomad type. The monastery type is bigger and has more facial wrinkling.

Males can reach a height up to 31 inches and a weight up to 180 pounds. The coat color can be black, black and tan, gold, blue/gray, chocolate brown and rarely solid white. It has a long double coat that has an unpleasant smell and sheds throughout the year. It is a primitive breed having the instincts to survive in the wild.

The dog can be very temperamental and exhibit ferocity, aggressiveness and unpredictability. It is an intelligent, strong willed breed but can be an excellent family dog if the owner does not allow it to take control. It is used to guard flocks and is not afraid to confront predators.

It can live up to 14 years. Although it has less genetic health problems than most breeds, it can suffer from hip dysplasia, nerve disease affecting its ability to walk, thyroid problems, skeletal defects and serious ear infections.

The dog starting gaining popularity after 1980, but was considered an uncommon breed. In 2008, it competed in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for the first time. Dog shows in China are being held more frequently exhibiting the breed.

Related : Blog Good Teacher Training Yoga Dating Games Online Concert Stickets Cheap

Continuar leyendo

Blood in Dog Urine - What Does This Mean?

Blood in dog urine could be an un-spayed female going into heat but it can also be the sign of a urinary tract infection, the most common health problem associated with dogs. This type of infection is actually very common but if left untreated, it can cause damage to the bladder and kidneys, and even lead to death. Blood in dog urine is nothing to play around with so if you notice even a small amount, it is important that you seek veterinarian care immediately.

Blood in dog's urine can be something serious or nothing much to worry about at all but we strongly recommend you consider the following information so you will have a much better understanding of a real emergency calling for quick action.

· Fact: blood in dog urine is most commonly associated with a UTI or urinary tract infection just like humans get. This type of infection could have developed within several areas of the bladder system to include the actual bladder, kidneys, or urethra. In most cases, blood in dog urine caused by an UTI is easy to treat. However, if the dog is not treated in a relatively fast time, it could cause serious health problems and unfortunately, even death.

· Another possibility where blood in dog urine is seen is when a female has an infection in the uterus. In this situation, the infection is developing within the vagina, making it hard to identify. The reason is that the blood may only be seen at the time the dog urinates, making it hard to spot. In addition, some degree of normal spotting might also be seen if your female had recently been spayed or had a litter of pups.

· For male dogs, blood in dog urine could be the result of a gland infection specific to the prostrate. Typically, you would notice the male's testicles and penis having some swelling and in this instance, your dog needs to be checked right away.

· Although not as common, this disorder could be from some kind of injury. Sometimes, an animal may fall or even be hit by a car without any telltale signs until the degree of injury increases. Therefore, if there is no viable reason for blood in the dog's urine, take it seriously.

· Bladder or kidney stones can also cause blood in dog urine. Most often, you would notice the dog having a reduced appetite, acting lethargic, and perhaps even whining when trying to urinate.

· Unfortunately, dogs have been known to be poisoned with rat poisoning. This cruel attempt to quiet a barking or mean dog can lead to horrific pain. Even dogs can get into containers out in the garage and become poisoned so be sure to keep anything harmful out of reach from noisy paws.

The bottom line is that blood in dog urine could be caused by numerous things. Therefore, if you have no idea why, seek veterinarian care immediately. In addition, pay close attention to any signs and symptoms that your pet may be displaying. Since infection is often associated with blood in dog's urine, we strongly advise you not take any chances and make sure your dog gets checked out.

Once at the veterinarian's office, your dog will go through a series of tests so the actual culprit can be identified. From there, the proper treatment option would be offered to bring your dog back to full health. In addition, we recommend that you put your pet on a natural supplement that will encourage a healthy bladder so infections that cause blood in dog urine is avoided altogether. These supplements are easy to administer and they work amazingly well. Whether in liquid or granule form, you can simply place the supplement in your dog's mouth each day so you have many years of enjoyment together.

Thanks To : Blog Good The Office Wedding Dating Games Online Snag a Jobs

Continuar leyendo

A Comparison of Cats and Dogs

Cats and dogs represent two totally different characters. In fact, people even classify themselves as either a dog person or a cat person. Cats and dogs are usually compared to each other because they are the favorite pet of the entire world. If someone wants to get a pet they definitely consider buying a cat or a dog. There is a great difference between having a cat as a pet and dog as a pet. If you are confused between buying a dog or a cat you should try to understand their personalities first.

Cats are independent creature while dogs are more social. A dog will come to you running when you return from home and start licking you while a cat might stay at her cushion. Do not think that cats are cold at heart. They might seem indifferent but they do love you like your other pets. They just show their affection whenever they feel like doing so. Quite contrary to the common belief, cats do not like solitude.

Cats are territorial creatures. That is they adapt to the surroundings as well as the people around them. Dogs are just into people. They get attached to only their owners. IF you take a dog to a new home or office they will be happy as long as you stay with them; while cats might get scared and anxious if you take them away from their home.

Dogs can be trained easily by showing them affection and rewarding for their appropriate action. It is hard to teach a cat like this. You can teach a dog to "sit" in five minutes, but it will take weeks to teach a cat to sit. The same thing goes with bad behavior. You can teach a dog what not to do by showing anger or hitting him gently. But his negative reinforcement never works with cats. If they sense danger they will just avoid punishment by running away. See the dog behaves as a group member and stays with the group even if it is punished. The cat; although a part of the group; is independent and will always try to evade punishment.

Cats will share their territory with others as long as they are kept satisfied and their basic needs are met. If you love your cat it will love you back but don't expect it to show affection all the time. It will come and sit besides when it wants to be loved.

Cats and dogs both make a wonderful pet and great addition to your family. With proper care and attention both cats and dogs can be taught all the necessary habits that are demanded from a pet. Both are loving and amiable; although they show their love in different ways. So if you are confused on whether to get a dog or a cat; just ask the question "Are you a dog person or a cat person?"

My Links : Blog Good Concert Stickets Cheap

Continuar leyendo

data:olderPageTitle