The Importance Of Cat Care

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

Michelle Bery asked:


Having a pet can be a wonderful experience as our furry friends integrate themselves into our daily lives and become cherished members of our families. We all certainly have our allegiances when it comes to our pet of choice. Just as dog owners will brag of the canine’s family-friendly quality and loving demeanor, cat owners will boast of the cat’s intelligent nature and subtle personality. Of course, part of having a pet – of any variety – is the responsibility for their daily care. And cat care, as any cat owner will tell you, is paramount to ensuring your feline’s good health and longevity.

First and foremost, when it comes to cat care – just as you would do for a baby – you must take steps to make your home a safe place for a curious kitty. When doing this, it is helpful to get down on the floor so that you can get a perspective for what may look interesting to your tiny new family member. Remove any small things from the floor that could be a choking hazard, and look for small, dangerous places where your kitten could inadvertently get stuck. Also, be mindful of lit candles and open windows!

Of course, cat care also means proper medical supervision. If you don’t already have a reputable veterinarian with whom you feel comfortable, it is important that you seek one out. Do some research among the animal lovers in your community; you will often find that there is a consensus among them regarding the best choice in area veterinarians. It is essential that you set up an initial appointment for your cat to make sure that all of your cat’s protective shots are in order. The same veterinarian will be significant going forward for regular check-ups, teeth cleaning, and any other medical intervention that you may need.

Ask your veterinarian about the food most appropriate for cat care. As you will find, there are a variety of cat foods on the market today, all advertising their own all-important nutrients; it can be difficult to navigate. Your cat’s nutrition needs will change as it ages so it is important that you keep pace. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you what is nutritionally most important for your kitten – as well as your older cat.

Finally, when it comes to cat care, it is important that your cat feel comfortable and that is has a place of its own. A litter box placed in a removed area of your home will offer your cat a place to go to the bathroom. Talk with your veterinarian about how best to introduce the litter box to your cat.

Ultimately, the most important cat care is the love and protection that you offer, allowing your cat to grow healthy and strong.



Dog Health Care – Monitoring Your Dogs Protein

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

Elise Rogers asked:


Protein seems to be a foggy issue when it comes to our pet’s diets. There are vegetarian dog food diets, and there are some diets that are heavily meat-based. So, what kind of protein does your dog need? And how much protein should they have in their daily diet? Here are a few facts about your pet and protein, so you can make the best decision about your pet’s daily diet.

First of all, here is a thought of interest: felines are classified carnivores, and dogs are classified omnivores. This means that cats must have meat in their diet to survive, and dogs must have meat and vegetables in their diet to prosper. Because dogs are omnivores, they can survive on either plant or animal diets; however, for your pet to achieve their ultimate health, a combination of the two is necessary.

So what are some signs of a poor diet in dogs? Obesity or excess weight, dull or coarse coat, itchy or flaky skin, and low energy and sometimes low resistance to infection are often common signs of a poor diet. If your pet is exhibiting any of these signs, change their diet; if any symptoms still continue, take your pet to the vet immediately.

So, here is the key to your dog’s diet. Dogs thrive on meat-based diets. This means dog foods that are based in meat are healthier for your pet than those that are composed of primarily grains or only-meat diets that have no grains or vegetables. A balanced diet is the best diet for your pet.

Why are whole grain diets harmful for your pet? Grains such as corn, barley, wheat, oats and soybean meal primarily supply carbohydrates. While carbohydrates are good for your pet (and necessary), if grain is their primary source of food consumption, excess carbohydrate intake often leads to the storage of extra carbs, which simply turns into fat. If you then add protein to your pet’s diet, it takes the carbohydrates through the kidneys and out of the body! Basically, this creates instant weight loss. If you’re wondering about kidney damage to your pet…don’t. Dogs are specifically built to tolerate lots of protein in their diet, because they need it. Unless your dog is getting excess amount of protein in their diet, then their kidneys should remain safe from protein damage.

Also, if you have a young puppy or an elderly dog, an increase in protein in their diet can be beneficial to them. Puppies are rapidly growing into full-grown adult dogs. Therefore, they need protein to build their muscles, strength, and to simply grow like they are supposed to! Older dogs need higher levels of protein in their diet to help retain their muscle mass and to keep it strong.

So, what is in your pet’s diet? Is your pet demonstrating symptoms of a poor diet? Consider changing your pet’s diet if you are concerned. Though this article is a general guideline to dogs’ diets, conducting your own research is always helpful. Feel free to contact your vet or a pet nutritional specialist if you have any other concerns. Remember, an excellent diet makes for a happy dog!



Taking Care Of Cats

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

Tristan Andrews asked:


These days, cats are among the most popular pet you can own. There are several breeds available, with the most popular being Persian and Siamese. Cats are a domesticated animal, with origins dating back some 8,000 years and beyond. Like any other pet that you may own, including dogs, cats cost money to take care of properly.

When you get a cat, you’ll need to think about the costs. You’ll obviously need food, and you’ll also need to plan ahead for vet costs. You’ll also need litter, which can tend to get quite expensive as the years go by. Your cat will need a litter box, food dish, and water dish. You should also invest in some toys as well, such as a scratching post, cat toys, a pet carrier, and a bed. You should also look into getting an ID collar as well, just in case your cat ever gets lost.

Feeding your pet will depend a great deal on his age. Older cats require two small meals or one large meal for the day. Kittens on the other hand, require several feedings a day until they get around the age of 12 weeks. Cats that are between three and six months of age need to be fed three times a day. Canned food can be fed to cats, although any food that has been left out longer than 30 minutes need to be disposed of. Canned food can get expensive fast, and you should always keep in mind that some may need to be thrown away when you buy it. Cats loved canned food, although it doesn’t have any benefits to their dental health like dry food does.

As an alternative plan, you can always leave a supply of dry food out for your pet. When you give your cat dry food, you should always make sure that he has enough water. Dry food costs less than canned food, and it can also help to prevent the buildup of tartar on your cat’s teeth. When you buy dry food, you should always look in terms of health and benefits, and stay away from generic food. Even though generic food may be cheaper, it may not offer the nutrients your pet needs.

If you own a kitten, you should only give you kitten food designed for him. You’ll also need to clean and refill his water dish every day. Even though kittens and adult cats like cow’s milk, you should avoid giving it to them as it can cause diarrhea. Treats are fine on occasion, although too many of them can cause your pet to get fat. Feeding your kitten human food is good on occasion, although you may have to mix it in with his cat food.

By themselves, cats stay fairly clean. Although you don’t have to bathe them that often, you’ll need to give them a brushing at least once a day. Brushing will reduce the risk of hairballs and keep your cat’s coat nice and clean. If you are keeping your cat indoors, you’ll need to have a litter box in an area that is easy for your cat to access. You should always scoop it on a daily basis, and clean it out once a week. Cats don’t like to use dirty litter boxes, they prefer for it to be nice and clean.

Although cats do require some work, they are great pets that will provide you with years and years of companionship. As long as you take care of your cat and take him to the vet for his checkups, he should remain healthy. Even though cats can get sick from time to time – knowing how to care for him will make a world of difference.



Taking Good Care of Your Cat

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

Steve Peters asked:


When you get a cat, it can be thought of as both a pet and a friend. If you plan on your cat living for many years, make sure you are knowledgeable in the proper care of cats.

Before getting one from the pet store or animal shelter, be sure to have a bed, dish bowl and litter box ready. Cats will wander around both within and outside your house, so you should ensure that your cat has a collar with your contact information so that your neighbors will know where to return your cat should they come across it.

Another option is to insert a microchip under their skin. Aside from using it merely to identify the cat if it gets lost, it also has another purpose which is a flea deterrent because it has a chemical that helps keep these parasites away.

The best made cat foods are the only ones you should purchase for your pet. Meat, fish or poultry are a good source of rich protein for these. Kibble.and canned versions are both available, and nutritionalists generally believe that, to prevent an addiction to one kind of food, they should be mixed.

One thing you must never feed a cat is chocolate because it has certain chemicals that could be fatal for them. 

Additionally, you can enhance your cat’s diet with vitamins that contain Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Taurine, which is considerd a vital amino acid.

Don’t forget to bring your cat at least once a year to the vet. This is to check on your pet’s state of health as well as giving the annual vaccinations. You should know that the older the cat gets, such visits to the vet should be done every 6 months because they also get old.

Even without an appointment, you should visit the vet if you are convinced something is not quite right. Keep in mind that for handling cats, this is a specialized professional.

Keep their nails short to avoid scratching to hard and injuring themselves and you. Since they love to scratch and this may cause damage to your furniture, make sure to also have a scratch pad nearby positioned by their bed or the furniture.

If your cat is a house cat, he should remain inside at all times. When you go out, remember to lock all of your windows and doors.

Quality care throughout your cat’s life can help him live for over ten years.

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Cat Care And Your Longevity

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

Christopher Byrnes asked:


Research suggests that spending time providing cat care may actually increase both your life span, and your quality of life. Scientific studies have shown that the relaxation and happiness that come from spending time with a domestic animal like a cat or a dog have numerous health benefits. Cat care that involves directly interacting with your pet may help you make your life longer and happier.

The research done on the correlation between spending time with a pet and having better than average health is conclusive. A study conducted at Brooklyn College in New York followed a number of heart disease sufferers after they were discharged from the hospital. The single social factor that was shown to be the strongest predictor of survival was pet ownership. Other studies have proved that citizens who put time into dog care or cat care visited their general practitioners less frequently than non pet-owners, and were less likely to require prescription drugs. Because of the mental stimulation and positive emotions associated with spending time with a pet, treatment centers and retirement homes across the nation are encouraging people to bring pets to visit residents who are in recovery. This suggests that even short term exposure to a cat or dog can have positive health benefits. If this is the case, just imagine what spending time with a cat every day can do for your body and your mind!

Some experts theorize that the reason why engaging in hands on cat care can both increase your life span and improve your health has to do with the simple fact that cat care offers you stability. Cat care is a daily activity that requires you to spend at least a little bit of time each day sharing love and affection with another living being. This gives your day a little bit of structure that can help you stay calm and focused no matter what life throws at you. Cat care is a regular, steady routine that can help you stay motivated and focused on making progress in all arenas of your life.

Daily cat care can help you feel positive and confident, two traits which research suggest can greatly improve your chances of beating a disease or making a speedy recovery from a medical procedure. Offering your pet ideal cat care is a boon to your health because it makes you feel like a great person every single day. The love your cat shows you when you provide top shelf cat care can help you shake off negative feelings and emotions like sadness or anger. Cat care can help you manage stress and keep an upbeat attitude.

What all of this research adds up to is that cat care is great for your health. Making cat care a part of your routine can help you take a positive, enjoyable step towards a healthier lifestyle in the present and the future. The better cat care that you can provide for your pet, the more affection and happiness your pet can offer you in return. Think of great cat care as a way to say thank you to your cat for the health benefits that it offers you.



Cats Are Friends Too

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

Robert Buford asked:


was a child, I always had a cat. Back then, a cat was replaceable to most people, and if one got run over, killed by the neighbor’s dog, poisoned, or just disappeared, there was always another cat to be found.

Fortunately, attitudes have changed over time. These days many people recognize that animals deserve to be treated more humanely and not as a throw away pet.Certainly, I’ve gotten wiser as I’ve gotten older, and my cats have benefited from that.So I decided to take all the tips, tricks, and advice I learned and “compress” it into a sanity saving resource for anyone battling bad cat behavior.

Unfortunately, one of the side effects of people bringing cats indoors has been a trend toward having them declawed for their owner’s personal comfort.Declawing a cat is not a good or safe or reasonable thing to do!Look down at your hands and imagine having your fingertips, up to the first knuckle, being cut off. This is what it’s like to a cat to be declawed!Please know this: With a little work, it is easy to train your cat to use a scratching post and preserve that beautiful furniture and other decorations in the home.

Cats are clean animals. They prefer to “do their business” in sand or dirt . . . just about any substance they can paw at and cover their wastes up with. So don’t worry. You’re dealing with an animal that “wants” to use some device.In case you don’t realize it,cats prefer a litter box with privacy. Yes, if they were people, they would be the type that would not only close the bathroom door completely, they would probably lock the door as well

Cats meow; that’s the predominate way how cats communicate ,and the type of voice they use lets you know some idea of what they’re trying to tell you.A favorite method of communicating is the cat’s purr, which is unique to the feline species. You may already know that a cat purrs when he’s content.However, if you pay close attention to your cat, you’ll notice that he also purrs when he’s nervous, feeling a little uneasy or even if he’s in great pain.

Does your cat “head-butt” you? That’s the cat’s standard affectionate greeting. Try “head-butting” him back. Seriously. Not very hard of course. You’ll discover that he really enjoys this. You’ll also soon discover that you’ve got a bond forming with this feline.

Cats are truly one of the most interesting, unique pets you can own. Also,with the proper care, a cat will live a lot longer,healthier,life than you ever thought possible.
But, no matter how good your intentions are, you’re not being fair to your cat if you don’t learn how to care for him properly. It’s really easy to do…

Who Else Wants To Discover The Secrets To Having A Perfect Cat That Makes All of Your Friends In Envy Of You?And be able to have a relationship with your pet that you probably didn’t realize was possible!If you are a true cat lover, this is the most important article you’ll read all year.

Why?You ask,Because;

You’re about to learn exactly what your cat is communicating to you through body language and her various noises!

You’re about to discover exactly how to train your cat so it does exactly what you want, when you want (such as come when called, never scratch the furniture or bite, use the human toilet or litter box perfectly, eat what you give it, and be more affectionate!

You’ll have a much closer, happier relationship with your cat, even if you already get on really well!

You probably didn’t even realize you could train your cat. Well rest assured, it’s easy when you know how



Find Out if You Need Health Insurance for Your Cat

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

Jay Schindler asked:


Before cat owners purchase health insurance for their family cat there are a few questions they should ask themselves. Asking themselves these questions will give the cat owner a reasonable idea of what type of policy will best suit them.

The first thing they should consider is whether or not they would like a discount insurance plan or a comprehensive insurance plan.   

The next question cat owners need to ask themselves is how attached are they to their local veterinarian. Some veterinarians will not accept pet health insurance from various pet health insurance companies for a variety of reason. If the cat owner does not feel comfortable taking their family pet to a different veterinarian they should look for an insurance company their veterinary clinic accepts. Cat owners should also be aware that in certain instances the local veterinarian or animal hospital cannot help their pets and might refer them to the State University veterinary clinics. When purchasing a health-insurance plan for their owner should double check and make sure that any expenses charged to the university veterinary clinic will be covered by the insurance plan.

Before cat owners purchase a health-insurance plan for their family cat they should decide if they would like to neuter or spay their cat. Some pet insurance companies offer health insurance plans for pets that will cover the cost to neutering or spaying. If the policy you are thinking about purchasing does not include neutering or spaying you might want to purchase an additional rider to help with the expense. Remember that if you have adopted your cat from a local animal shelter you will be required to neuter or spay your cat if the shelter hasn’t already done that. This is also a good time to get the first round of your cat’s annual shots out of the way.      How much can you actually afford to pay in addition to the monthly or yearly cost of your pets health-insurance plan? If you have to bring your cat to the veterinarian will you be able to pay a deductible? A deductible is the amount of money you have to pay the veterinarian out of your pocket each and every time you visit them. The higher the deductible you carry the lower your monthly premiums are on your pet’s health-insurance plan.      

If your cat gets injured in a freak accident or suddenly becomes sick will you be able to pay for any medication that the veterinarian might prescribe. Prescription drugs are expensive whether they are for humans or for pets. If you are concerned about the potential cost of prescription drugs you may want to purchase a rider that will help cover the cost. Purchasing a co-pay option a prescription drugs get help lower your annual fee.      

Before purchasing a health-care plan for your cat find out if the plan just coverers your cat’s immediate health care issues or if it will also cover the cost of the veterinarian’s office visit. Cat owner should remember that the time to research the various types of pet health-care insurance is normally before they purchase their pet. Most injuries and illnesses occur during the pets early years of life.



Cat Health Insurance is Must to Protect it Against All Odds

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Insurance

Robert Scott asked:


People love to have pets at home, but sometimes, keeping a pet can cause trouble especially when the pets are not insured. A cat is one such animal that has to insured and secured because of its restless nature and delicate body. Hence demands quite a lot of care from the owner. Therefore, it will be advisable to buy a cat health insurance plan for its security against mishaps and diseases. It also will not leave a dent in your pocket.

Cat health insurance also saves money on various things like the costs of the veterinary, as these expenses have increased rapidly in recent years. Without cat health insurance or one can even say that veterinary insurance then things like routine check-ups, emergency care and disease treatments and preventive procedures will certainly hurt you financially, so why not get some help in a form of cat health insurance. Well, your cat surely deserves a protection against just not diseases but also against accidents. Health insurance for cats is like having a health insurance for you! So why wait. However, the cat insurance premiums depend on the breed of your cat and the type of policy that you have decided on. If you have more than one cat, there is usually a reduced rate after the first policy. Cat health insurance

deductibles can vary as well according to the policies that you have opted for. The average annual deductible is about $100.

You can choose from an array of coverage plans based on your cat’s age, breed, and pre-existing medical conditions. However, some feline health plans are quite comprehensive and offers services for annual checkups, routine care, vaccinations and other preventive medications, and spaying and neutering, as well as illnesses and accidents and injuries. Cat’s insurance coverage for emergencies begins immediately on most health policies, however, takes at least a month’s time for illness and other claims. However, the cat’s age can severely affect the insurance coverage. Generally, policies begin veterinary healthcare coverage when the pet is 6 to 8 months old, but usually many insurers begin when the cat is much is younger. If you are confused regarding the policies then, it is good to take help of people who have taken cat insurance or approach pet insurance agencies for a better perspective on coverages.

Many cat health insurers will not cover the pet if she has a pre-existing condition or a terminal illness. Some will insure the cat only if the condition is controllable or stable. Well, all these options available, it is important to check out the various cat health insurance companies, their pet insurance policies and corresponding healthcare plans. Hence, if you care about your cat, then you should care about her health too. And get her enrolled with good health insurance plan. However, if you are bothered about your pocket, then you should care about your cat’s health insurance coverage, too. This way you are able to save money and get to keep your cat healthy and active. Moreover, with the help of a cat health policy, you will be able to claim the money back.



Give your Pet the Best Care With a Pet Insurance Online

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Insurance

Robert Scott asked:


A person would like to enjoy his life to the fullest but somewhere in the corner of his heart there is a constant worry about the future. If given a choice we would all like to make sure that we have sufficient funds and means to take care of contingencies and any emergency situation that may occur. Insurance is one such sure shot method of preparing for unforeseen circumstances that may require a substantial amount of money at a short notice. We have insured our lives, our properties and every conceivable asset has some kind of insurance attached with it. When we are providing such security for our valuables maybe we should also give our pets the security of insurance. A pet insurance can make sure that your pet gets the best medical attention and health care at all times.

Many online websites are also venturing into the area of providing pet insurance online. The pet owner has the convenience of simply logging onto such a pet insurance online site and checking out all the plans available under insurance schemes for various pets. Irrespective of the age, breed and gender of your pet, you are sure to find a Pet insurance Online plan that suits your budget and fulfills all the health insurance requirements of your beloved pet. Even routine health check ups for the pet which include the regular vaccinations and minor medications are included under the health insurance plans. Pet care and a good vet can cost a good amount of money, so the insurance will insure that the owner can manage the finances easily.

Our pets can fall prey to a number of diseases and illnesses and at times even accidents that result in life threatening situations. However the advancement of technology has given a major boost to treatment procedures. Pet insurance online provides plans that take care of such expensive treatments without causing a financial burden for the owner. Regular installments paid in small amount for a pet insurance can go a long way in ensuring that the pet, be it a cat, dog or other animal, receives the attention that it deserves. Expensive treatment procedures like a kidney transplant or hip replacement for animals are being carried out successfully these days, provided you have the necessary finances to provide such treatment for your pet. Carefully go through all the plans and options available with a pet insurance company and then select one that best suits your needs.

Keeping a pet is not just about having a cute animal to entertain your family members and shower love on it as and when it suits you. A pet has many added responsibilities attached that include maintaining a regular hygiene program for the pet and ensuring proper diet and nutrition for your pet. Regular health check ups and visit to the vet should also be an essential part of your lives. Purchasing a pet insurance online for your beloved pet will ensure that you can continue to provide the loving care and support to the pet at all times and no pet has to have its life shortened due to lack of funds.



Dog Health Care Article: Male Dog Neutering And Female Dog Spaying: When Should It Be Done?

May 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Pets

Terrie Simpson asked:


Every year thousands and thousands of cats and dogs are euthanized because they lack a home and family to adopt them. We humans are to blame for this situation. Every year the newspapers are full of articles submitted by the S.P.C.A. relating to the number of animals they have had to kill.

As responsible pet owners we have to make the decision whether or not we want to contribute to the problem or do our part to keep unwanted pets out of the shelters and off the streets. So when do we need to neuter or spay the animals? We need to decide by the time our pet is 6 to 8 months old whether or not to sterilize him/her.

Being a responsible breeder is no easy task and there is no profit to be made. Breeding is done strictly for the betterment and continuation of the breed. The costs of the stud service, the buying or making of a whelping box, the veterinarian bill for the care of the mother dog, possible fees for delivering the pups, puppy food, veterinarian checkups for the puppies, eye exams, worming, fees for docking of the tails, vaccinations, etc., etc., quickly eat up any profits to be made. Then there are the countless sleepless nights waiting for the moment of birth, worrying about the newborn puppies, the noise from yelping puppies keeping you awake. It’s simply a labor of love for a responsible breeder.

Whether or not you have a mixed breed or a purebred dog you need to take the precaution so that accidental breedings do not happen. If you have an unspayed female dog you dog will every 6 to 10 months go into heat that lasts about 3 weeks. A heat is also known as an oestrus period. During this time the female will have menses or a period, where she will secrete blood from her ******. This is a messy situation for a house pet. There are protective garments that may be purchased to contain the mess, but also help deter unwelcome entry from male dogs. Also during this time your dogs behaviour may change and she will be less obedient.

Unsterilized (un-neutered) male dogs can become aggressive and may show overt sexual behaviour when there are in-season females nearby. The male dogs will mark territory in the neighbourhood or in the home by ********* small amounts. Adolescence, is a trying period. Your male dog and you will likely have confrontations over whom is the alpha personality. Now is the time to remember, that you love your dog, but you are the master.

To spay a female dog, a veterinarian removes it’s uterus and ovaries. A male dog is neutered when the veterinarian removes the dog’s *********. Both operations are usually safe and require one nights stay at the clinic.

The benefits to sterilizing your dog not only include unwanted off-spring, avoiding temperment problems, but also can benefit your dogs health. Having your pet sterilized will decrease the risk of developing tumors in the ******* area. Males can develop problems with the prostate gland. Females can develop problems with the mamary glands. Consult your veterinarian before your pet becomes 6 months old. Take a trip to your local S.P.C.A. and take a look at all the homeless cats and dogs before you decide to leave your pet unsterilized.



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