Nov 27th, 2007 | Pets | Comments Off
High Quality Protein Makes A Happy Cat.
Do you want your cat to be healthy and maintain vigorous energy levels? Do you want him to look good, display a shiny coat, and to stand in good behavior as well? If your answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’ then look towards good nutrition as a precursor to a healthy cat.
Nutrition for cats should be viewed as the same as nutrition for humans. No, I am not saying that your cat should eat the exact same foods as you do. In fact it”s quite the opposite. But what I am saying is that your cat should be getting in sound nutrition from a variety of sources so that he can be at his best health.
Protein Is King
Like most animals, cats must have a higher amount of protein in their diet. This is just part of their design as nature has produced it. While humans have high protein requirements as well, cats need more than double the amount of protein that their body weight is set at. And amazingly enough, kittens need even more protein! Kittens need a lot of protein to support their fast growth into adulthood.
Why is protein so important? Because it provides the building blocks of life, which are amino acids, that your cat will reassemble and deliver to the protein organs of his body. Every animal on the planet requires these amino acids, some more and some less.
There are some amino acids that are called ‘nonessential’ and do not have to be consumed from food. Nonessential proteins are produced and synthesized within the cat”s body. On the other hand, the other proteins are called ‘essential’, and must be found and consumed from certain sources of food.
Offer Your Cat Variety
When you consider protein sources to feed your cat, it is important to pay attention to variety. By providing a variety of protein sources for your cat”s diet, you are ensuring that all of the essential amino acids will get into his system, thereby providing sound health and nutrition. Such sources should include different types of red meat, fish, poultry, and the few dairy products.
Where Does Protein Come From?
Protein can be found within plants as well as animal flesh. However, it is important to know that not all proteins digest the same and your cat may not be able to handle a certain type of protein source. If you witness your cat throwing up, having episodes of diarrhea, or any other problem soon after eating a new food, then he is sure to have an allergy or a digestive problem to that food. Discard this item and do not feed it to your cat again. However, most meats, dairy and eggs are easily digested so you should not have any problems with your cat”s digestive system this these basic foods.
Nov 17th, 2007 | Cats | Comments Off
by Paulina Jenkins
The study of kitty chromosomes is really not much different than studying human chromosomes. It is a fascinating procedure that can offer an insight to how cat development occurs. There are many different aspects that need to be taken into consideration when studying feline DNA, and the results are astounding to many in the medical and veterinarian field.
Studies have found that there are nineteen pairs of kitty chromosomes in all cats. One pair of chromosomes is inherited from the mother and the other set is from the father. The X or Y chromosomes are responsible for the sex of the offspring.
The mother always passes on the X chromosome, but the male cat can only give an X or Y chromosome. The gender of the kitten will depend on which chromosome the father gives. The kitty chromosomes from the father also affect the fur color and pattern.
A male calico or tortoiseshell cat has two X and one Y chromosomes. All female cats have two X kitty chromosomes that contain genes creating the three calico pattern colors. A male calico or tortoiseshell has only one X chromosome. This X chromosome gives the fur color of orange or black. In the calico cat there is a gene for the white color of the calico pattern.
Sometimes a kitten has three chromosomes instead of the XX or XY chromosome pattern. This cat will have the XXY chromosome pattern and is always a male and sterile. A calico or tortoiseshell cat must have two XX chromosomes to get the fur colors.
Therefore, calico or tortoiseshell females have a set of X chromosomes, the XX combination. The calico or tortoiseshell male cat has the chromosome pattern of XY or XXY and always sterile. The division of the cells affects the end kitty chromosome combination and the gender of the cat.
About the Author:
About the Author: Paulina Jenkins has a great website on cats. Learn about
kitty chromosomes. What do you know about
kitty chromosomes how it affects the gender and fur colors of a cat. Don’t reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free
unique content version of this same article.
Nov 17th, 2007 | Pets | Comments Off
Why Every Cat Should Have Identification Tags.
Does your cat have an ID tag that will help get him back to you should he become lost or hurt? Identification is very important to ensure that your beloved pet does not get displaced for any reason. A standard ID tag which hangs around your cat”s neck from a collar will do the job just fine.
All collars that you can buy for your cat are made out of very lightweight material and will leave plenty of room for your cat to move his head around without strain. Some pet owners do not put collars on their animals for fear of something getting caught on it and causing their cat to choke. However, you do not have to worry about this as most collars are designed to give a cat plenty of room to wiggle out should he be trapped on something. Just be sure not to buy a small dog collar for your cat by mistake because dog collars are designed to keep them from escaping, while cat collars are actually made to help your cat escape from a dangerous situation.
Creating Your Cat”s Identification Tag
Once you have found the appropriate collar for your cat”s neck size it is time to order your ID tag. These tags will come in very durable plastic material with a wide variety of shapes and colors for you to choose from. If you browse online you will find many suppliers who will even custom-make your ID tag for you. For example, I found a great place online that even made my cat”s ID tag out of reflective material. This makes me feel better when my cat happens to be outside at night and will cause any oncoming cars to see him because of the light”s reflection off of his ID tag.
When you order your tags be sure to get the pertinent information on them. Remember that this is an important identification tool and not just a fashion statement, so while it may be cute to just put your cat”s name in quotation marks, your goal here is to ensure that someone can look at the tag and be able to reach you in case of an emergency. Your address, telephone number, and an alternate number is all you need. You may put the cats name on the tag if you wish, but when it comes to cats they do not really come when they are called, so it may be just a waste of space.
In addition to the above information that must be placed on your cat”s tags, you may also want to consider placing a small bell to hang from the collar. This may sound cheesy to some people, but it is actually a very good idea that will help your cat remain safe from other larger predators (especially the local neighborhood dogs). When being chased, your cat”s movements will create the bell sound to ring very loudly and this will deter many chasers from continuing the race. This ringing sound actually scares away most dogs from trying to pounce on a fleeing cat.
Nov 16th, 2007 | Pets | Comments Off
The Pros & Cons Of Adopting An Adult Cat.
Are you considering of getting a new cat but are unsure whether to buy a kitten or an adult? There are definitely some advantages to purchasing an adult house cat as opposed to a kitten. However, one major disadvantage of acquiring an adult cat is that it does not have that baby ‘cuteness’ that we all love about kittens.
Young kittens are probably the most fun and goofiest pets to have, especially if you have children in the house. They are like nonstop energy balls of fluff, racing around the house, jumping on anything they can, skidding across the hardwood floors, and of course attacking anything that moves, including your arms and legs! It sounds cute doesn”t it?
However, not everybody enjoys this type of behavior that all kittens are known for. If you”re one of these people than these endearing kitten moments may not be for you, and adult cats are more suited to your needs. Why? Because once they reach maturity, cats become more reserved and calm. They lose that neurotic playful behavior that kittens display.
Advantages Of Getting An Adult Cat
When adopting an adult cat, what you see is what you get. You get exactly what you are looking at and can see first hand what his behaviors are like. His body type is grown into, his color and shape is already determined, and his behavior and personality have been developed. You will know whether this cat is too active or not active enough. You will know if he is going to be too vocal and loud for your environment. And last but not least, you will discover immediately if he takes to you and enjoys your company.
In addition to these benefits of selecting and owning an adult cat, they are more easy to care for and can offer more affection than the typical kitten would. You”ll also be giving this cat a second chance at life. Not all adult cats are lucky to get adopted. Most are left abandoned and suffer the consequence of getting put to sleep.
Disadvantage Of Getting An Adult Cat
There are also some disadvantages of adopting an older cat. One common problem is the possibility that it may display behavioral problems that went unforeseen when you picked him out. A common problem with adult cats is not using the litter box properly. Ironically enough, problems with the litter box is one of the top reasons why pet owners bring their cats to shelters in the first place. It may not sound like a harsh enough crime that warrants a cat to be put into a shelter, but not using the litter box and urinating all over the house can be very frustrating. Eventually, cat owners decide that their property is more important than keeping the cat.
But do not let this deter you from getting an adult cat! Behavioral problems such as this and other minor issues can be easily taken care of with the right training approach. It is important to know that reputable shelters and breeders will almost always disclose as much information about the behavior of the cat as possible. Only rarely do problems go unnoticed and unreported to those owners who adopt a pet.
Nov 14th, 2007 | Dogs | Comments Off
by Gideon Laston
Saying goodbye is never easy, even if it’s just for a short time. That’s why so many pet owners balk at the idea of leaving their beloved dogs at a kennel. It’s ironic that modern dog kennels are so well appointed; it’s likely much harder on the pet owner than it is on the dog.
Whether it’s for a short out-of-town business trip, or an extended vacation, leaving the family dog behind can be a traumatic experience. The best choice will always be to have a trusted friend or family member stay in your home to care for your dog, but this just isn’t always an option. The other choice is to leave your pet in a dog kennel.
Not all kennels are created equally, so take your time to shop for one that best suits the needs of your pet. If your dog is the high-maintenance, frill-seeking sort that demands constant attention, a regular kennel simply will not do. Regular kennels provide necessities, but can skimp on the luxuries.
This is a fine choice for providing the basics over a day or two. Food, water and a warm and secure place to sleep are all that’s needed for a short stay. If you’ll be away for a week or more, go the distance to make sure that your pet is getting the care and attention he or she is used to.
Look Before You Leave
Check the kennel out thoroughly before you decide to leave your dog behind. Keep a list of must-have prerequisites that are necessary requirements from your pet’s home away from home:
Room to Roam: The kennel must provide sufficient space to allow your pet plenty of outdoor activity, with ample indoor space to prevent your dog becoming claustrophobic.
Cleanliness: All areas of the kennel should look and smell clean and fresh. Check the bedding where other dogs are sleeping. Avoid dirty, smelly kennels.
Well Ventilated: Make sure that there is good ventilation with a clean, fresh air. Be sure that the temperature is not too hot, or too cold. Outdoor areas should have shady spots available to provide a cool resting place during outside playtime.
Light: A light, bright kennel will aid in your dog’s overall experience. Avoid kennels with dark and gloomy atmospheres. Look for windows that provide plenty of natural sunlight.
Packing For Your Pet
The transition should be as painless as possible for your pet. Pack along some of your pet’s favorite belongings, so she or he will feel a little more at home:
* A small, beloved toy for chewing or just to keep close at hand.
* You dog’s water dish or food bowl
* A small piece of clothing that has your smell
* If your dog prefers a certain brand of food, bring it along and ask kennel operators to use it
* Your dog’s leash, so that he or she will feel more comfortable during scheduled walks
In addition to these dog kennel supplies, you’ll need to provide the kennel with your out-of-town contact information, the name and number of your veterinarian and any medications or vitamins that should be taken by your pet.
Last, and certainly not least, provide the kennel staff with any special diet requests or requirements. Give this information to the staff in writing, so every employee will have access to your dog’s specific needs.
Leaving your dog at a kennel is a big decision, and the choice of kennels should never be taken lightly. Take the time to choose a well-appointed dog kennel and, if necessary, take steps to bring the kennel up to your, and your pet’s, standards.
Nov 10th, 2007 | Pets | Comments Off
New Puppy - Why You Should Choose An Older Puppy Over A Newborn.
If you want to get a dog but do not have the time nor the energy to take care and train a young puppy, consider getting a slightly older puppy. He may not look as cute as a young puppy, but there are several advantages of making this choice, as described below.
An older puppy could be between 8 weeks to 6 months old. Puppies at this age are definitely ready to go to a new home. They have been weaned and are used to eating solid food. They have also started paper training so housebreaking them is easier, if not already accomplished. In addition, if an older puppy has had a happy home with plenty of socialization from the breeder, he is more likely to be a healthy dog that is not shy or aggressive.
Once you have found an older puppy, the next step is to determine whether he fits into the type of lifestyle that you have. It would be very unfortunate to get a dog, or any pet, only to have to return it because you aren”t able to take care of him.
Below is a list of factors you have to consider before bringing an older puppy home. Keep in mind however, that older puppies are more cautious of strangers and younger puppies, so give him some time to get used to you and his new living situation.
1. If you have children, have them meet the puppy before bringing the dog home. This is to make sure that the puppy will get along well with your kids. Ask the breeder if the puppy has been introduced to other people.
2. If you have other pets at home, determine if they have a positive connection with the puppy, and vice versa. If there are other animals in his current home, examine how the puppy behaves around them to see how he socializes with the other animals.
3. Ask the previous owner to lift the puppy and then watch what happens. Was he scared or act aggressive while being held? If so, this is not a good sign of a confident and healthy dog. Most puppies love to be held. Some may squirm a little, but will otherwise be okay with it.
4. Startle the puppy by making a sudden loud noise such as clapping your hands are dropping your keys right next to him. Examine how he reacts to it. Does he run and hide in a corner or does he look like he”s ready to attack? Both examples are signs of an insecure dog, but if he goes with the attack position then avoid adopting this dog at all costs as he may end up attacking a family member if accidentally surprised.
Nov 7th, 2007 | Exotic Pets | Comments Off
Two things may happen when taming an exotic pet. Many veterinarians are, in fact, against taking care of exotic animals as pets. At times, even if they were tamed as babies, in the long run, they still end up as wild animals. These remain to be the beliefs of most experts yet exotic pet owners don’t seem to decrease in number. Many still do their best to tame their pets. If you are already an exotic pet owner or are planning to be one, it would be wise to know the animal’s background. Ask if it came from the wild or if it was bred in captivity. This type of information will somehow help you in identifying the best way of approaching your pet. Try to dig out as well if it has previously manifested a negative behaviour. Confinement in very small enclosures often triggers negative behaviors as it causes them stress. There are still several other ways by which you can successfully tame exotic pets. Read also: take picture of your pets