Want to Feel Better? Go Stroke Your Cat!
September 30, 2007
Stroking your cat can be good for your health! It has long been known that pet ownership is good for you, we all need someone or something to love. It is also believed that stroking a pet, such as a cat, reduces stress levels and helps you to have a more positive perspective on life.
Stroking a cat, and listening to the sound of its contented purring, reduces tension and lowers your blood pressure it is believed.
A study was made of a group of people before and after they acquired a pet, the majority reported that their health had improved in as little as three to nine months. The people who owned dogs reported the greatest health benefits, because of the exercise involved in walking the dog, but cat owners too said that they felt a lot better even though they were not so active.
Many senior citizens homes have “residential” cats, and staff report these pets as being of great benefit to the residents, helping them feel more comfortable and to remind them of normal home life. The physical contact with the pet can be therapeutic, and the activity needed to care for the cat gives the residences a sense of purpose. The need for medications falls quite substantially in nursing homes where there is a cat available for stroking, and the act of stroking can help recovery after an illness.
How to Feed and Care for Orphaned Kittens
September 29, 2007
Over the last 15 years, I have raised nine orphaned kittens. Four of them were two weeks old when their mother was killed; three others were only hours old when their mother died; two more kittens fell out of the nest in our barn when they were only a day old.
Raising motherless kittens is not a difficult process, but it does require patience, time and plenty of TLC.
Here are some tips to help you raise your orphaned kittens:
1. Make a nest.
Normally, a mother cat spends many hours a day in the nest with her kittens, which helps her babies stay warm. Keeping the kittens warm is important because if they’re not warm enough, they won’t want to eat, and in fact, all of their bodily functions will slow down.
To keep your orphaned kittens warm, make a nest in a small box and line it with towels or old t-shirts or sweatshirts to help the babies conserve their body heat. Put a towel over the box to keep out the light. Female cats choose nests that are dark. If you don’t have a heat lamp, use a small 40-watt desk lamp and place it several feet above the box to help keep the kittens warm.
How to Build a Dog House for Your Puppy
September 28, 2007
So you’d like to know how to build a dog house? Well, that means we’re talking to less than 50% of all dog owners. Why? Because current survey information at OpinionTrone says most dog owners (over 50%) allow their pets on the family couch. Furthermore, if you allow your pet on the couch, chances are that you do not HAVE a dog house!
But for those of you who do, there are really good things to remember about how to build a dog house:
1. Any good how to build a dog house plan should begin by making sure the house is big enough to accommodate your dog’s ultimate grown-up size. You would not like to live in a house whose ceiling was below your head height–neither would your dog. Most humans like about 2 feet of air above themselves in a room in order to live without feelings of claustrophobia! That comfort zone is about 1/3 of their standing height. Allow your pet the same airiness. Figure out how tall it will stand as a mature pet and make sure the ceiling of the dog house is 1/3 again taller!
Toy Dog Breeds
September 27, 2007
Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese, spaniels–the official list of the AKC is quite extensive. Regardless of breed, toy dogs are desired for their cuteness and cuddle-ability. Many retain the characteristics of a puppy for their entire lives. This may be one of the big attractions that toy dog breeds hold over larger breed dogs.
Diminutive size, however, does not mean that toy dog breeds are less hardy. Once safely past puppyhood, their energy levels and enthusiasm rival any breed of dog. Some are excellent watch dogs, but they won’t be able to follow through preventing entry of an intruder. The hue and cry of toy dog breeds can be enough to make your hair stand on end!
There are several advantages to toy dog breeds. Besides the ease of handling a smaller sized dog, they are more appropriate for apartment dwellers because they do not require as much exercise space as a large dog. Additionally, toy dog breeds usually shed less than their larger counterparts–not because they have different coat characteristics, but because there is less dog! All sides of dog care are smaller: from cleaning to clean-up and food consumed to food expelled.
Are You Listening To Your Cat Talking?
September 27, 2007
Is your cat talking to you?
Many cat lovers claim that their feline pets talk to them. They believe their cats can communicate vocally with them and tell them what they want, how they are feeling, and ask how their day has been! So, can domestic cats talk? Can the meows and trills that emanate from your kitty really be described as your cat talking to you?
Yes it can!, and no it can’t…
Cats can not communicate vocally in the same way that humans can, of course. Cats, in common with other animals, have not developed language as such, they cannot question, debate or describe. But, cats do have extraordinary powers of letting you know what they want, and largely by using their vocal skills.
The vocal repertoire of pet cats is greater than most animals because it draws its range of sounds from two distinct vocabularies. In its relationship with other felines, your cat grows from defensive kitten, to an independent adult, and the vocal sounds used for cat talking changes accordingly. But with human companions domestic cats remain very much dependent kittens, and will look upon their owners as their mothers. A modified variety of kitten sounds is used to talk to humans to communicate messages such as “Feed me now!”, “I want your attention”.
Your Dog is a Social Animal - and Needs You!
September 26, 2007
Your dog is a social being, just like you! He/she loves walking in the park with you, playing ball or chase with you, and just being with you. Even when he/she’s lying around the house or the backyard having a snooze, your dog is well aware of your presence, or absence, and appreciates every minute you spend with him/her. If you have a family, your dog loves being part of your family and no doubt has a special relationship with most, if not all, of the family members.
I have a Rottweiler, Kara, and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Jet. They’re both female and both just turned 9 years. I’ve had them since they were puppies, and they’re definitely members of my family. I love them to bits and would be lost without them.
I’ll bet your dog is much like mine when it comes to interacting with you.
I know my dogs are always beside themselves with joy and excitement whenever I come home - regardless of whether I’ve been away for a week, or just popped out for 10 minutes! What human gets that excited to see you? No one? I thought so. I don’t know any human who’s even half that happy to see me.
Dog Rescue: Is it Right for You?
September 25, 2007
Ever had a hankering for a certain breed of dog? Not an obsession, mind you ? not the sort of longing that would send you rushing to a breeder, thousand-dollar-bill in your sweaty palm ? but just a gentle appreciation for the virtues of the Poodle, Pug or Pyrenean Mastiff?
Let’s say you have — but you thought buying a purebred pup was a less-than-ideal use of your family’s resources. If that’s the case, it might be time to look up your local Dog Rescue organization! Dog Rescues are organized by breed, so prospective parents can sign up to be notified when new poodles or pugs come in.
What’s the advantage of adopting a rescue dog, instead of a breeder pup? A rescue dog isn’t always cheaper than the breeder’s (though it usually is). The main difference is this: your money equals a new life for a dog that completely lost out on his first roll of the dice.
How do I adopt a Rescue Dog?
Dog rescue organizations are volunteer-driven, and loosely organized. Your best bet is to "Google" for the one nearest you, using the breed name. So poodle lovers can search for "Poodle Rescue" or "Poodle Rescue Florida," if they live down south.
Buster the Beloved Pussycat
September 24, 2007
"Dogs have owners; cats have staff," and I have worked for some wonderful cats in my time. The one I loved best was named Buster. Buster had an unusual mind. He didn’t think like other cats; he didn’t act like other cats. Maybe that’s why I loved him so.
We got Buster from the county animal shelter. We usually get our cats from the county animal shelter. That way we save a life — and we’ve gotten some great cats that way. One fall, after our cat had died and left a big hole in our lives, we went to the animal shelter for a kitten. There were no kittens.
I was about to give up, but my husband Bill kept saying, "That one over there looks good." And he did. He was about three-quarters grown, grey and white, and had a sweet, hopeful expression on his little face. Also, he was scheduled to be killed the next day. There was no time for us to go home and meditate on the matter.
We went to the people in charge and said, "We’ll take that one."
Quality Dog Food Is Essential For The Health Of Dogs
September 23, 2007
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs. It is easy to overlook it, but it is essential to pick the right dog food for your pet dog. People sometimes just pick the first dog food bag they see at the store, instead of considering what is needed for your own dog.
Puppies need different types of food than mature dogs, just as different breeds of dogs also require different types of dog food.
If your dog seems like it has no energy, consider switching to another type of dog food. If you are unsure what kind to buy, you should consult your veterinarian.
Dog Food should be healthy and tasty.
If your dog does not like a certain type of dog food, do not force your dog to eat it. Instead, try to find another type of dog food that has all the vitamins that your dog needs, and your dog enjoys eating.
Also, be aware that your dog’s taste may change over time, and may not necessarily eat the same dog food all of its life. If it does not like its current dog food, then buy some other types of brands, and see which one is its favorite.
Puppy Development
September 22, 2007
Puppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy gets over its fear of its new surroundings, it will become very curious. People sometimes leave their puppy for a few minutes, come back and can’t find it anywhere. If you can’t find your puppy, remember to look under the furniture and in small corners. Also, don’t leave small items that your puppy might choke on lying around.
Puppy development does not need to be a mystery. It might take a little while to housetrain your puppy, and you may also have some furniture that is slightly chewed. Remember that your puppy is still learning and be patient with it. No matter what breed your puppy is, it is sure to be a source of fun and enjoyment to the whole family.
Tips on understanding Puppy Development.
It is important to do all you can to increase your puppies development. Regardless of what breed of puppy you have, be sure to play with it and encourage it. A puppy that is lazy and is never played with will grow into a spoiled, lazy, and unpleasant dog. Having another puppy to play with might also increase puppy development.
